[Timothy's Team] HIP-HIP-HOORAY - Timothy's Law passes Assembly

[Bryan O'Malley]

Timothy's Law took another step forward today as it once again moved out
of the Assembly, with ten members voting against the measure, one less
than last year.  For those who were able to get to the Assembly Chamber
to watch it, the debate was lively, and at times heated.
Assemblymembers Tonko (sponsor of Timothy's Law), Grannis (Chair of the
Insurance Committee), Rivera (Chair of the Mental Health Committee) and
Brennan (former Chair of the Mental Health Committee) all gave stirring
speeches in support of the legislation.  Assemblyman Joel Miller also
deserves kudos for his strong support of the legislation, despite what
he himself cited as an "inexplicable" vote in opposition last year.  It
is very rare that a Legislator seriously analyzes his previous positions
and admits that he may have voted incorrectly, and Assemblyman Miller's
actions today show his true merit.
 
Ten individuals voted against Timothy's Law, nine of whom we were able
to catch their names.  Those who voted against Timothy's Law included:

*	    Assemblyman James Bacalles (Steuben and Yates Counties)  
*	    Assemblyman Daniel Hooker (Chenango, Delaware, Otsego,
Greene, Schoharie, Ulster, Columbia Counties) 
*	    Assemblyman Brian Kolb (Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Ontario,
and Seneca Counties) 
*	    Assemblyman Howard Mills (Orange and Rockland Counties)
*	    Assemblyman Charles Nesbitt (Genesee, Niagara, Monroe, and
Orleans Counties)  
*	    Assemblyman Robert Oaks (Cayuga, Oswego, and Wayne Counties)

*	    Assemblyman David Townsend, Jr. (Oneida and Oswego Counties)

*	    Assemblyman George Winner (Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga
Counties)  
*	    Assemblywoman Catharine Young (Alleghany, Cattaraugus, and
Chautauqua Counties)  

We are currently in the process of identifying the tenth "no" vote.  We
will inform you of this in the next Timothy's Team alert.
 
BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE
 
The fight to pass Timothy's Law took a big step forward today, but by no
means is it over.  For close to a decade now, mental health parity, in
one form or another, has been voted out of the Assembly.  It has never
even been brought to a vote in the Senate.  Now that the Assembly has
done their job and passed the bill in their house, we can focus all of
our attention on getting this bill through the Senate.  
 
If you haven't already, please try to make plans to come to Albany on
March 16 for the RALLY IN SUPPORT OF TIMOTHY'S LAW.  We are expecting a
huge turnout, to create a presence that makes the rally last September
pale in comparison.  Buses will be provided from Westchester, New York
City, Long Island, Buffalo, Syracuse and Binghamton.  Additional buses
will be added as the need arises.  We need all the support we can get
that day, a strong showing will show the Senate that they need to get
this done.  Remember, it is an election year, and a huge turnout in
Albany will show a large amount of discontent in the district if this
bill doesn't happen.
 
To find out more about the rally, please visit
<http://www.mhanys.org/timothyslaw/mar16rally.pdf>
http://www.mhanys.org/timothyslaw/mar16rally.pdf.
 
Also, don't forget, TUESDAY, MARCH 9 is call in day.  Please take two
minutes on Tuesday, March 9 to make TWO phone calls.  The first call
should be to your Senator, letting him or her know that you support
Timothy's Law and want them to do everything in their power to make sure
that S.5329 comes to the floor for a vote this year.  The second phone
call should be to Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.  Tell Senator
Bruno that you just contacted your Senator, but you also wanted to let
him know that you are a supporter of Timothy's Law and you want to see
S.5329 pass this year.  To reach your Senator, call the Senate
switchboard at (518) 455-2800 and ask to be connected with your Senator.
To find out who your Senator is, visit the board of Elections search
page at  <http://map01.elections.state.ny.us/boe/main.asp>
http://map01.elections.state.ny.us/boe/main.asp.  To find out more
information on the Phone-In, scheduled to take place Tuesday, March 9,
visit  <http://www.mhanys.org/timothyslaw/mar9callin.pdf>
http://www.mhanys.org/timothyslaw/mar9callin.pdf.
 
As always, tell your friends about Timothy's Law.  Let them know the
positive news.  Try to convince them to make a phone call or come to
Albany.  The movement is growing larger every day, and there is still
room on the bus for more.  Take a moment and share this e-mail with your
friends.  Tell your co-workers about Timothy's Law.  Be vocal.  This
effort is not led by those of us in Albany, it is your effort, and the
only way we can prove successful in the end is if you take control of
this movement and help it grow.
 
Thanks for all of your continued support.  Please do not respond
directly to this e-mail, as it will not receive a reply.  Questions,
comments, and suggestions should be directed to
<mailto:bomalley at mhanys.org> bomalley at mhanys.org.  
 

 

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