For anyone who still believes that the debate over expanding the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (S‑CHIP) is really about health care for poor children, the New York Times reports that 8 Senate Democrats have signed a letter saying they will oppose any compromise that doesn’t allow the program to continue covering adults.

Currently, 12 states currently use S‑CHIP funds to provide taxpayer-funded insurance for adults. According to data released by the Department of Health and Human Services in July, Wisconsin covers almost twice as many adults as children — and spends 75 percent of its S‑CHIP funds on them. Minnesota spends 63 percent of its S‑CHIP funds on adults. In New Jersey, it’s 43 percent.

Let’s keep that in mind the next time we see ads featuring adorable little kids pleading for those mean, nasty Republicans to give them health insurance.