U.S. Reps.

Jason Altmire, D-4th, and

Phil English, R-3rd, voted Wednesday to override

President Bush's veto of legislation to reauthorize and overhaul the State Children's Health Insurance Program for an additional five years.But for the second time in three months, the House of Representatives failed to obtain the two-thirds majority needed for an override. The final vote was 260-152."With a host of economic stresses facing America's working families today,"Altmire said, "the failure to override the president's veto and provide health insurance for the millions of children who will otherwise go without defies common sense."Now tens of thousands of Pennsylvania's kids could lose health care coverage through the SCHIP program in the coming months, creating another economic burden for our families at the time when they can least afford it."Said English:"I am continuing to fight to reauthorize and expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program. We know that this program works and that it provides real benefits to working families and to public health in general."While I think it appropriate that Congress assert its strong bipartisan support for this expansion, I also believe it's time for Democratic congressional leaders to seek a compromise that will successfully reauthorize this program over the long term."The legislation that Bush vetoed would have increased enrollment in the children's health program from 6 million to 10 million during the coming five years.The revenue needed for that enrollment increase would come from a 61-cent increase in the federal excise tax on a pack of cigarettes, as well as comparable tax increases on other tobacco products.——Homeowners who are taking steps to make their homes more energy efficient may qualify for the Keystone HELP program, according to news release from state Rep.

Dick Stevenson, R-8th.Keystone HELP, which is primarily supported by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, provides homeowners with unsecured lines of credit ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more at competitive interest rates.Stevenson noted there are no fees, closing costs or penalties for early payment. Also, liens will not be filed on property if funds are accepted.Improvements must be completed by an approved contractor or dealer. Eligible improvements include:• Energy Star rated electric, gas and oil (83 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating) heating and air conditioning systems and related work.• Energy Star rated windows, doors, siding, roofing and insulation.• Geothermal, solar energy and hot water treatment, small wind power systems.• Other qualifying Energy Star and similar improvements.• Modernizing a household's appliances can save homeowners as much as 33 percent on their energy bills, while cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, preserving style and comfort.Though no specific income requirements exist, homeowners must have satisfactory credit and must be able to repay the loan within the maximum 10-year term.For more information or to apply for a Keystone HELP loan, individuals may visit Stevenson's Web site at DickStevenson.com or call toll-free 888-232-3477.