I was surprised to see the hostility expressed towards expanding children's health insurance coverage in last week's editorial (Op-Ed, High cost to expand state children's insurance program, Sept. 19).

The legislation passed by Congress is a well considered piece of work supported by both parties and both chambers. Children's medical insurance has been a tremendous success in Washington, and it has proven to be cost effective to link children up with family doctors rather than driving low income families to seek emergency care for their ailments. The eligible families mentioned who earn $60,000 a year are those with nine kids, not exactly living large.

We're all healthier when we live in communities where our children are healthy and up to date on their immunizations. Paul Guppy needs to grind his nasty political axe on people his own age.

Paul Barry

Social Worker

Ballard Teen Health Center