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<DIV><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><FONT
color=#000000 size=2><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt">NYS ASSEMBLY PASSES TIMOTHY’S LAW – CALLS NEEDED TO
GOVERNOR PATAKI TO URGE <SPAN class=719502320-10012006>HIS SIGNATURE ON THE
BILL</SPAN>:</SPAN></U></B><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>By a unanimous vote of support on Wednesday evening in the NYS Assembly,
Timothy’s Law is now on it’s way to Governor George Pataki’s desk for his
consideration.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Called to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City> by Governor Pataki for a “Special
Session” to take up legislation to civilly commit sexual offenders using the
state psychiatric system, Timothy’s Law appears to be the only significant
legislative accomplishment <SPAN class=719502320-10012006>that accompanies
the Legislature's most recent return to Albany, </SPAN>as it appears
negotiations on a number of issues, including <SPAN
class=719502320-10012006>the </SPAN>civil commitment of sexual
offenders, <SPAN class=719502320-10012006>have
fallen </SPAN>apart.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3>Mental health
advocates are elated by this development, which now clears the way for the final
approval necessary to end discriminatory health insurance policies – Governor
Pataki’s signature.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Therefore, we
ask everyone to contact Governor Pataki to urge him to sign Timothy’s Law.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Governor Pataki can be reached
by:</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><STRONG><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><FONT size=3>Calling:
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></STRONG></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3>(518) 474-1041 - Leave a message asking the Governor to sign Timothy’s
Law. <BR><STRONG>Writing:</STRONG> <BR><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Governor</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">George</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">E.</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Pataki</st1:PlaceName><BR><st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType> Capitol<BR><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Albany</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">NY</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode
w:st="on">12224</st1:PostalCode></st1:place> <BR><STRONG>Emailing:
<o:p></o:p></STRONG></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3>Go to </FONT><A title=http://161.11.121.121/govemail
href="http://161.11.121.121/govemail"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3>http://161.11.121.121/govemail</FONT></SPAN></A><FONT
size=3>.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><SPAN class=898171504-14122006><FONT color=#0000ff
size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><FONT
size=3><U>Following below is the Timothy’s Law Campaign’s Press
Release.<o:p></o:p></U></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt">PRESS RELEASE<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>PRESS RELEASE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt">Timothy’s Law Campaign Applauds
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt">NYS Assembly Passage of Timothy’s
Law<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt">Urges Swift Signature by Governor
Pataki</SPAN></U></I></B><I><U><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; mso-no-proof: yes">
</SPAN></U></I><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style="mso-no-proof: yes"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3>For Immediate
Release:<o:p></o:p></FONT></B></P>
<H3 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3>December 13, 2006</FONT></H3>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><I><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">As the NYS Assembly voted to approve
Timothy’s Law (</SPAN>A. 12080/S. 8482) today, the Timothy’s Law Campaign
thanked the sponsors, leaders, and allies for their steadfast support and
perseverance in negotiating this extraordinary agreement. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(<I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Summary p.3</I>)</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Tom O’Clair, Timothy’s father
and Co-chair of the Campaign said:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>"In this season of celebration and remembrance I want to thank Speaker
Silver and the NYS Assembly for all of their efforts over the past few years.
What has happened here today shows how well government works when all parties
work together. The Assembly in their unending support, worked with the Senate to
reach an acceptable compromise for a strong foundation to improve mental health
care in NYS. This is a fitting gift, in Timothy's memory, to all New Yorkers
suffering with mental illnesses as well as their families. It is also a
wonderful way to end what should have been a landmark year for Timothy. This
version of Timothy's Law will allow for future improvements and inclusion of
more comprehensive diagnoses and addictions." <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Paige Pierce, Executive Director
of Families Together in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">New
York</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>,
and Co-Chair of the Campaign, said: "Families of children with special emotional
and behavioral disorders know first hand the trauma caused by the lack of
services. They have endured crisis trips to the emergency room, have given up
their houses to pay for treatment, have witnessed the slow starvation of
anorexia, and suffered through suicide attempts of a son or daughter. Our
families have hope for the future of their children. That's why families have
worked so hard for passage of Timothy's Law. That's why they are watching on
this historic day as the Assembly passes Timothy's Law. We are grateful for the
Assembly's support and look forward to the day this bill is signed into law by
the Governor. On that day our families will truly
celebrate."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Shelly Nortz, Deputy Executive
Director for Policy with Coalition for the Homeless, said: "The value of this
legislation will be measured not only in improved mental health and productivity
for millions of New Yorkers, but also in lives saved and enriched. We commend
and thank everyone who has helped to negotiate Timothy's Law.”
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Glenn Liebman, CEO Mental Health
Association in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New
York</st1:State></st1:place> State, Inc., said:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“Nearly 20 years have passed since the
issue of discrimination in health insurance against people living with
psychiatric disabilities was first raised to the attention of state
leaders.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>During that time, the NYS
Assembly and its many internal champions have remained as allies of the mental
health community in the fight for parity.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>While it is tragic that it has taken so long to get to the verge of
ending this discrimination, we look forward to Governor Pataki’s signature on
this bill, which will lay the groundwork for future improvements in the law to
benefit millions of New Yorkers living with psychiatric disabilities and
addictions.”<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Mary Jean Coleman, Upstate New
York Area Director for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, said: "The
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention applauds the NYS Assembly and their
many years of support in furthering 'Mental Health Parity' in <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">New York</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We look forward to Governor Pataki
signing this crucial legislation in to NYS Law when it is delivered to his
desk."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>J. David Seay, Esq., Executive
Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York State said:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“This is a landmark day for the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Empire</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Advocates for New
Yorkers with serious mental illness have been working for decades to see the day
when mental illness is given parity in health and insurance plans. Our hats are
off to Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Assembly for forging a workable compromise
with the Senate and advocates for Timothy’s Law. Governor Pataki: Please sign
this bill.”<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Jeff Wise, President / CEO of
New York State Rehabilitation Association, said: "We congratulate the Assembly
leadership, bill sponsor Paul Tonko, and all the members who have led the effort
to move health policy in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New
York</st1:State></st1:place> a giant leap forward.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Timothy's Law will save lives.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are grateful, too, for the incredibly
selfless and inexhaustible spirit of Tom O'Clair and family.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>His work to prevent other families from
experiencing tragedy is an awe-inspiring testament to the power of citizen
advocacy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We fervently hope the
governor will join legislators in both houses and on both sides of the aisle and
sign the bill promptly -- it is a fitting coda to his 12 years in office and a
legacy for which all New Yorkers can be thankful."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Richard Gallo, Government
Relations Advocate for the New York State Psychiatric Association, said: "We
applaud the sponsors and proponents of this bill for enabling this landmark step
toward ending the disparity in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">New
York</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>
between health insurance coverage for physical illnesses and that of mental
illnesses.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Perhaps the single most
important 'benefit' of Timothy's Law is not found in the bill's text but rather
in the compassion and understanding that propels it – for this bill is as much
about eliminating the stigma of mental illness as it is about removing other
barriers to treatment."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Harvey Rosenthal, Executive
Director of the New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services,
said: "With passage by the Legislature and the approval of Governor Pataki, New
York State will have taken long overdue action to stop the needless suffering of
thousands of New Yorkers and allow appropriate access to mental health treatment
that will prevent lost hope and productivity and, most tragically, lost lives of
those in need."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Reinaldo Cardona of the National
Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter said: "We commend the
Assembly for taking this important step toward ending the discriminatory
coverage of treatment for mental illnesses. NASW-NYS applauds Tom O'Clair for
his courageous leadership and perseverance in fighting for parity on behalf of
his son Timothy to provide relief for so many <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State
w:st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> families. We urge the Governor to
sign this important piece of legislation, so that <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">New York</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">State</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> may provide this fair and affordable
solution that will save lives and families."<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>The Timothy’s Law Campaign would
like to thank all Members of the NYS Assembly who have voted for and supported
Timothy’s Law over the past 4 years, but specifically Assemblymembers Paul
Tonko, Alexander (Pete) Grannis, Peter Rivera, Donna Lupardo, Joel Miller, and
of course Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Minority Leader James Tedisco for
their stalwart support.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>In addition, the Timothy’s Law
Campaign thanks all Members of the NYS Senate who supported and pushed for
passage of Timothy’s Law, especially Senators Thomas Libous, Thomas Duane,
Thomas Morahan, and of course Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Minority
Leader and Lieutenant Governor-Elect David
Paterson.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Timothy’s Law Campaign would
like to thank the staff from both the Assembly and Senate, who often go
unrecognized, who have spent countless hours working to enact meaningful reform
of NYS law to end discrimination in health insurance for New Yorkers with mental
health needs. It is our heartfelt hope that each and every one recognizes the
great importance this law will have for millions of New Yorkers, thanks to their
efforts.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><FONT size=3>Lastly, we are grateful as well
to the Executive Chamber, Division of the Budget, NYS Insurance Department, and
NYS Office of Mental Health leadership and staff for generously sharing their
time and thoughtful comments on Timothy’s Law; we believe the dialogue has been
fruitful, and has helped to address their questions. We hope for a swift
signature in the coming days.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H3 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3>About Timothy’s Law</FONT></H3>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Timothy’s
Law creates a mental health benefit structure comprised of two mandates for
large employers and a subsidized mandate paired with a "subscriber option" for
the same coverage for groups with 50 or fewer
employees.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><FONT
size=3><SPAN style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma">All
employers that offer health insurance and not exempt under federal law
(self-insured plans) or state law (Healthy New York</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a">, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma">) will, for the first
time, be required to provide broad based mental health coverage including at
least 20 outpatient days and 30 inpatient days, with co-payments and deductibles
comparable to those used for physical ailments (financial parity). Exclusions
may be no more restrictive than the state's parity</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a">-based</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a">coverage</SPAN><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"> for civil servants (and
lawmakers), the Empire Plan. Exclusion of chronic mental illnesses would thereby
be prohibited. Importantly, the law requires the superintendent of insurance to
"develop a methodology to fully cover the cost" of this “base benefit” mandate
for employers with fifty or fewer employees. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><B><I><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoBodyText style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: left"
align=left><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic">In
addition to this base benefit is a parity benefit. The parity benefit also
includes "financial parity," and is required for all non-exempt employers with
more than 50 employees. This same coverage is </SPAN><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">optional</SPAN></I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic"> for small employers. It
provides unlimited coverage of medically necessary care for children and adults
with the following diagnoses: <I>schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, major
depression, bipolar disorder, delusional disorders, panic disorder, obsessive
compulsive disorders, anorexia, and bulimia.<o:p></o:p></I></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>It also
provides unlimited coverage for children under age 18 who have serious emotional
disturbances and are diagnosed with <I>attention deficit disorders, disruptive
behavior disorders, or pervasive development disorders</I>, where there are
serious suicidal symptoms or other life-threatening self-destructive behaviors;
significant psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusion, bizarre behaviors);
behavior caused by emotional disturbances that place the child at risk of
causing personal injury or significant property damage; or behavior caused by
emotional disturbances that place the child at substantial risk of removal from
the household.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt"><SPAN
style="COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"></SPAN></U></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"></SPAN></U></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma">IN THE
NEWS:</SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: #00000a; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><SPAN
class=headline-large><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Session Ends
Without Civil Confinement Law</B></SPAN> <BR><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State
w:st="on">New York</st1:State></st1:place> Public Radio<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>December 13, 2006</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3>By <SPAN
class=byline>Karen DeWitt</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>ALBANY, NEW YORK (2006-12-13) The New York legislature failed to agree on
a bill to civilly confine some sex offenders, after Assembly Democrats rejected
a bill proposed by Governor Pataki in a special session. The legislature
adjourned without acting on many other issues, including pay raises. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>The Assembly and Senate began the special session at noon, as ordered by
Governor George Pataki. But they did not ultimately accomplish what the Governor
wanted- the passage of a civil confinement bill for violent sex offenders.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>The Assembly called a recess, without acting on the bill, and members
spent the afternoon in a closed-door party conference. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Meanwhile the Senate promptly approved the measure.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, a Republican, said the involuntary
commitment to mental hospitals for some sex offenders after their jail term has
ended will make communities safer.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>"These people...can't live in society," Bruno said. "They need treatment
and they need to be committed."</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Senator Eric Schneiderman, a Democrat, complained that the special
session was a waste of time, because the Assembly had not yet agreed to the
measure, and the Senate had already passed the bill earlier in the
year.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>"I guess we've run out of material for new shows, and we are, ladies and
gentlemen, going to re- runs, " he said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Despite his protest, Schneiderman, along with every other Democratic and
Republican Senator present, voted unanimously for the bill. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Senator Bruno admitted that he was frustrated, and called on the governor
to call an open meeting with legislative leaders. But Governor Pataki did not
respond. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>The Assembly ultimately rejected Pataki's civil confinement bill.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>The lower house did approve Timothy's Law, which requires that mental
illness receive the same amount of health insurance coverage as physical
illness. The Senate already approved the bill earlier this year. It now goes to
Governor Pataki. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver would not rule out holding another
session before the end of the year, but he did wish everyone a happy holiday
season, and paid tribute to outgoing members. Silver, who had a rocky
relationship with Republican Pataki during the governor's twelve-year tenure,
said he was looking forward to "a new era", when Democrat Eliot Spitzer begins
his term January 1st. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>A number of other issues remained unresolved at the close of the session.
The legislature has only until December 31 to reject a hospital closing
commission report that recommends closing nine hospitals and merging 48 others.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Public employee, teachers and nurses unions organized a rally against the
proposed closings, but the largest health care workers union, SEIU 1199, did not
attend the protest, and has not actively opposed the report. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Governor Pataki had also been seeking an expansion of charter schools,
and a resolution on the construction of Moynihan Station, to be built in the old
post office building adjacent to Penn Station.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3>Lawmakers who may have been hoping for pay raises will come away from the
session disappointed, as that matter was also left
unsettled.</FONT></P></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
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