MomsRising.org member Tracie, like many other Californians in this recession, is struggling for the first time to provide healthcare coverage for her kids.

"I never thought I would find myself in need of this program. But, I have. Even though I am a teacher and my school district offers health insurance, I just can't afford to put my kids on it. It would cost me $1,300 extra per month just to add my two kids and my husband. So, we purchased private health care for them. But with my husband not working and health care costs skyrocketing, I just can't pay for private health coverage anymore. I have applied for the Healthy Families insurance and I pray that my kids get the coverage. Health care coverage is so important for our children."

Tracie C., San Leandro, CA

While we celebrated a great victory last month in expanding federal money for state children's health insurance, our job is not done. The California legislature now needs to act quickly and comply with federal rules in order to access these funds. [1] Tracie isn't alone. Thousands of parents like her need this healthcare coverage for their kids now more than ever!

Tell your CA state legislators, "Healthcare coverage for kids is a lifesaver for families! Do your part to ensure healthcare coverage for all kids.":

http://www.momsrising.org/lifesaver_messages

Add your name (plus any personalized message you want to share) to our message and we'll deliver it to legislators -- attached to some real candy lifesavers -- to remind them that we're watching and waiting for them to do their part to throw kids a lifesaver on healthcare.

683,000 children in California still don't have healthcare. Don't let CA legislators miss this opportunity to bring millions of federal dollars to our state and give lifesaving healthcare to our families: http://www.momsrising.org/lifesaver_messages

Please be sure to share this blog with your all of your family and friends living in California. The more of us speaking up together, the better!

P.S. Do our CA lawmakers know our stories? We elected them, but chances are, they don't know how everyday Californians are living without healthcare or with only bare bones coverage. But you can help make sure they do! Personal stories really help make the crisis real-- and help get real change rolling. Tell your story here: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1768/t/1546/blog/comments.jsp?key=502&blog_entry_KEY=23313

1. Sources: "Think tank weighs state share of stimulus plan," San Francisco Chronicle, March 10, 2009. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/09/BAR016C346.DTL

"State needs to act fast to reap full economic stimulus funds," Ventura County Star, March 11, 2009.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/11/state-needs-to-act-fast-to-reap-full-economic/