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<DIV id=idOWAReplyText8680 dir=ltr>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=4>We have heard that the
Governor has not made his decision yet but is paying attention to all of this
campaign's efforts. So let's help Governor Pataki <EM>make the right
decision</EM> to SIGN TIMOTHY'S LAW TODAY.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=5>CALL, FAX,
EMAIL! (scroll down for info.)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=5>STOP BY THE
CAPITOL TODAY, TOMORROW AND FRIDAY!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=4>The
vigil <SPAN class=585154416-20122006>at the Capitol </SPAN>today
starts today at 2:00 outside room 123 of the Capitol</FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial color=#000000 size=4>Thursday: 3:30 -
7:00, outside the Governor's office, 2nd floor of the Capitol</FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT size=4><FONT color=#800080><FONT face=Arial
color=#000000>Friday: 3:30 - 6:00, outside the Governor's office, 2nd floor of
the Capitol</FONT> </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006> </SPAN>FIND THE GOVERNOR! <SPAN
class=585154416-20122006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4>Below is the Governor's
schedule for today -- <SPAN class=585154416-20122006><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006> </SPAN>if you will be in the area please show
up with a sign asking him to sign Timothy's Law.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=center><FONT face=Arial size=4><FONT size=5><U>Note:
the Governor wil</U><SPAN class=585154416-20122006><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=2><U><FONT face=Arial
size=5>l</FONT></U></FONT></SPAN><U> be at the Empire State Plaza at
6:15</U></FONT><U> </U></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=3><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT size=2><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=3><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006> </SPAN><STRONG>PATAKI SCHEDULE:</STRONG> At 11
a.m. Gov. George Pataki is traveling upstate today.<BR><BR>11 a.m. -- He is
joined by State and local officials to make an energy announcement; Huntley
Generating Facility, River Road, Tonawanda. Directions to 11 Event: 90 West to
Exit 50 (just after the Toll Booths); Route 290 (West for approximately 10
miles); 190 South (left hand lane); take first exit as you are getting on 190
(Kenmore Ave – Sheridan Drive), you will see the large stacks directly in front
of you; go straight through the signal off the exit Sawyer Ave; en of Sawyer Ave
is River Rd; left on River Rd, first driveway on the right.<BR><BR>2 p.m. --
Makes announcement regarding renewable fuel production; Rochester
Commercialization and Development Center, Genencor Manufacturing Plant, 1700
Lexington Avenue, Rochester.<BR><BR>4 p.m. -- Makes announcement regarding
renewable fuel production; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry;
Brey Hall Rotunda, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse.<BR><BR>6:15 p.m. -- Makes
announcement regarding high efficient vehicle for State fleet; Empire State
Plaza (outside), Albany.</FONT><BR><BR></DIV></FONT></FONT>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial color=#800080 size=5><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#0000ff
size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr><FONT face=Arial color=#800080 size=5><SPAN
class=585154416-20122006> </SPAN>Call the Governor (if you already called,
call again and every day until the bill is signed)</FONT> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<P align=center><FONT face=Arial color=#800080 size=6>Here's the number to call:
518-474-1041</FONT></P>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=5></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=5> <FONT size=4>Also, you can email and fax
letters to the Governor: </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<UL>
<LI>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT color=#800080
size=4>Emailing: Go to </FONT><A title=http://www.timothyslaw.org/
href="BLOCKED::http://www.timothyslaw.org/"><SPAN
title=http://www.timothyslaw.org/
style="COLOR: windowtext; TEXT-DECORATION: none"><FONT
title=http://www.timothyslaw.org/ color=#800080
size=4>www.timothyslaw.org</FONT></SPAN></A><FONT color=#800080 size=4>, click
on the “Get Involved” tab and follow the instructions from
there</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<LI><FONT face=Arial color=#800080 size=4>Faxing: 518-474-8099</FONT></LI></UL>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=#000000>(Letters should be addressed to Governor
George E. Pataki, State Capitol, Albany, NY
12224)</FONT></P></DIV></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006><SPAN class=585154416-20122006><STRONG><U><FONT
size=5>IN THE
NEWS:</FONT></U></STRONG></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN
class=100202622-15092006></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN><SPAN class=631571017-24032006><SPAN
class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=2><SPAN class=100202622-15092006>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><SPAN class=mainstoryhead><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Mentally ill catch a break</B></SPAN><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></B></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN class=decktext><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT color=#000000 size=3>Pataki should
sign bill providing parity in health insurance coverage</FONT></B></SPAN><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><BR></B><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Buffalo News</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>December <SPAN class=headbyline>20, 2006</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
class=storytext><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000>In a recent do-nothing
legislative session, the Assembly did something right by approving Timothy's Law
for parity-based mental health and chemical dependency insurance.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Now, outgoing Gov. George E. Pataki must act quickly and
sign it into law. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Previous and more comprehensive versions of the legislation
had passed the Assembly, though the latest incarnation had yet to gain approval.
With compromises woven in, the Senate passed Timothy's Law in September, the
first time they had passed the bill. And so did the Assembly. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The law creates a mental-health benefits structure composed
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.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>All employers that offer health insurance and are not
exempt under federal or state law will have 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. This
represents the financial parity that so many had been without. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Exclusions are virtually nonexistent and there are
significant provisions for the care of children. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>If a lame-duck governor chooses within the next few days to
sign this piece of legislation, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">New
York</st1:State></st1:place> will be able to remove itself as one of the few
states that does not mandate mental-health insurance parity. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Many states have amended, strengthened and improved upon
mental-health parity legislation, rather than rolling back progress on such
vital protections. Fears about cost increases for businesses have been
unfounded, according to experts. Of course, there's always going to be someone
available to dispute anecdotal evidence. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
size=3><FONT color=#000000>This legislation is pro-family, a point an ambitious
governor considering a run for president should consider. Pataki should attach
his signature to Timothy's Law as one of his final and most conscientious
actions as governor. <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN class=storyhead><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN class=storyhead><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><SPAN class=storyhead><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Pataki must OK Timothy's Law</B></SPAN><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> <o:p></o:p></B></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Poughkeepsie</I></st1:City></st1:place><I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> Journal</I><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN><SPAN class=date>December 19, 2006</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Treating mental illnesses the same as physical ailments
when it comes to insurance coverage in <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State> is long overdue. The state Assembly
last week finally approved a compromise bill that brings parity to how mental
health issues are treated by insurers. Now Gov. George Pataki needs to sign this
vital legislation and ensure those already suffering don’t have their problems
compounded by struggling to get adequate coverage.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The bill, known as Timothy’s Law, requires insurance
coverage for mental illness and other health problems be on par with each other.
Private insurance policies in <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New
York</st1:place></st1:State> limit coverage provided for mental health and
substance abuse services or require additional co-payments from the insured.
Concerns the law could place an undue burden on small business owners have been
addressed, in a compromise the Assembly and Senate reached in June. The Senate
approved the bill at a special session in September. Lawmakers agreed on
protections for companies with fewer than 50 employees by having the state
absorb any increases in premiums. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Many supporters of the plan expect the cost of providing
expanded coverage will be more than offset by savings from a reduction in lost
productivity and expensive crisis care. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The bill requires companies offering health insurance to
include 30 patient visits and 20 outpatient visits for mental health care.
Co-payments must be comparable with the rest of the plan. Currently, some mental
health care includes a co-pay of more than $50 each visit, while traditional
physician co-pays run about $15 a visit.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Additionally, companies with more than 50 workers would
cover necessary treatment of major disorders — illnesses such as major
depression and panic disorders, among others — above and beyond the 30 patient
and 20 outpatient visits. Small businesses would have the option of purchasing
this additional coverage.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The law is set to expire three years after it’s enacted and
requires a cost analysis by the state Insurance Department.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The bill gets its name from Timothy O’Clair of <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Schenectady</st1:place></st1:City>, who hanged
himself at age 12 after suffering for years from mental illness. His parents
struggled to find the proper treatment and services for their son. They even
took the difficult step of relinquishing custody to get their son’s treatment
paid for by Medicaid, unable to afford the costly care on their own.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Like many important issues in <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City>, this one has taken
a long time to bring to fruition. A Pataki veto could delay this needed change
indefinitely. Having the entire Legislature up for election this year no doubt
had a role in the compromise being reached. And there’s no guarantee lawmakers
would quickly approve the bill again next year, with just about everything
subject to the horse-trading that takes place in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City>.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Pataki needs to sign this crucial law immediately and help
those burdened by mental illness get the treatment they need and
deserve.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000>Pataki
bumps to the finish<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000>Special
legislative session he called produces nothing but Timothy's
Law<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Newsday</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>December 19, 2006</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>After a couple of years of incremental improvement,
<st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City> recently
reminded its critics how the state's legislative process earned its distinction
as the nation's most dysfunctional. Last week's special session accomplished
little beyond restoring an unhealthy measure of public cynicism. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>What a fitting end to the era of Gov. George Pataki. The
only thing consistent about his 12-year tenure, which comes to a close New
Year's Eve, was its inconsistency of energy, vision and, ultimately,
accomplishment. Like the special session, Pataki got some things right, some
wrong and left too much undone, because he either didn't work hard enough or
misjudged the opposition in both parties. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Last week, Pataki threw too much at lawmakers, seeking to
burnish his legacy, and misread what he could get from them by dangling a pay
raise, which the legislature sidestepped.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Lawmakers did get one thing right. The Assembly, following
up on a vote by the Senate, approved a landmark bill to require insurers to
cover mental illnesses at the same level as other medical maladies. Called
Timothy's Law, for an adolescent who killed himself after his family was unable
to pay for health care for his mental problems, it would end discrimination in
medical coverage that denies thousands of people adequate care.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The mental-health parity bill represents a broad political
and ideological compromise. Parity with other coverage, which many states
require, has had little impact on insurance premiums, but it benefits business
and government by cutting absenteeism and keeping people off public assistance.
Pataki should sign it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>It's too bad, however, that Pataki won't be able to
authorize creation of more charter schools. Assembly Democrats wrongheadedly
blocked that. But it's good the Assembly wouldn't authorize civil confinement
for sexual predators after they serve a prison sentence. Society must come to
grips with the threat of repeat offenders, but the issues are complex and the
proposal approved by Republicans needs a lot of work.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000>Not a
total waste ...<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Middletown</st1:City></st1:place> <I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Times Herald Record</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>December 19, 2006</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1">
</SPAN>
<SCRIPT language=JavaScript type=text/javascript>
var isoPubDate = 'December 19, 2006'
</SCRIPT>
OK, we got that rant out about the three-men-in-a room government, and it is
sincere, but legislators did manage one positive accomplishment last week. The
Assembly approved a bill that would require insurance companies to provide
coverage for a range of mental illnesses, notably those related to children, on
par with other health-care coverage. It is a long-overdue step forward in health
care in the state. The Senate has already passed the bill and Gov. Pataki has
until Dec. 26 to sign it. He should do so now.</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The bill is called Timothy's Law. It is named after Timothy
O'Clair, the 12-year-old from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Schenectady</st1:place></st1:City> who committed suicide in 2001 after
his parents had surrendered custody of him because their health insurance would
not cover treatment for his depression and they could not afford it. His father
has lobbied for the bill since then.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The arguments for it are simple. Mental illnesses can be
just as debilitating as physical illnesses and are responsible for the loss of
billions of dollars in worker productivity. Moreover, most of the illnesses are
diagnosable and treatable, with many of them having a biological cause. Good
health must include mental health.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The argument against the parity bill is the usual one —
cost, especially to employers. But in 35 states that have passed similar laws,
there has been only a slight increase (1 percent in <st1:State
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:State>) in premiums.
Federal workers also receive such coverage. <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:State> has been negligent on this for far
too
long.</FONT></P></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
color=#000000><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Sign Timothy's Law
<BR>Pataki must sign bill that can ensure medical coverage of mental disorders.
<BR></B><st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Elmira</st1:place></st1:City>
<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Star-Gazette</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>December 17, 2006</FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Wednesday's one-day, special legislative session was a
bust. With one important exception.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>While a civil confinement bill died of neglect, another
important bill lived and now sits on Gov. George Pataki's desk awaiting his
signature. There's every reason for the governor to sign off on the bill, the
so-called Timothy's Law.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The Assembly approved the bill last Wednesday in what was
the only show of productivity to come out of the legislative meeting. It wasn't
what Pataki wanted when he called legislators back to <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Albany</st1:place></st1:City>, yet the measure
was an important byproduct of an otherwise unimpressive session.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The governor had sought a new civil confinement law to keep
sex offenders in state mental facilities for further treatment after their
prison sentences had expired. He had intense interest in the bill because the
state's highest court had overturned his executive order to confine a number of
sex offenders after their sentences were up. But the governor lost that round
when the Assembly and Senate could not reach a compromise on civil
confinement.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>He must not let that disappointment sink Timothy's Law.
Named for Timothy O'Clair, a 12-year-old <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">Schenectady</st1:place></st1:City> child who killed himself in 2001,
the law would require insurance companies to cover inpatient and outpatient
treatment for various mental illnesses not currently covered, including eating
disorders.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The extra cost, estimated to be from 3 percent to as much
as 10 percent, would be passed on to employers and their workers, The Associated
Press has reported. The state, however, would pick up the extra expense for
small companies of 50 employees or fewer.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>If the governor has concerns about the controversy that
surrounded the law when it was introduced, he need now only look at the votes --
55-0 in the Senate during a special session in September and 139-0 in the
Assembly last week -- to be assured that legislators believe in this
bill.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>And if he has any residual ire at the Assembly for blocking
the civil confinement bill, he also should set that aside. Timothy's Law offers
too much good for those with mental disorders to become a victim of
politics.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>As he leaves office this year, the governor should act with
compassion and sign this bill for the good of the state.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT color=#000000>Sooner law
takes effect, the better <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT color=#000000 size=3>Troy
<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Record</I> Editorial<SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 2">
</SPAN>December 16, 2006</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT color=#000000
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The Legislature accomplished at least one worthwhile thing
in its special session this week: the Assembly unanimously passed "Timothy's
Law," which would expand the availability of coverage for the treatment of
mental illness. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The Senate passed the bill earlier this fall. Now it's up
to Gov. Pataki to sign the bill into law. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Area lawmaker Paul Tonko was the main sponsor of the
Assembly bill; the boy for whom it is named lived in his district in <st1:City
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rotterdam</st1:place></st1:City>.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The story is heartbreaking, but it served to put a name and
face to a problem that only legislation could address.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Timothy O'Clair's parents first sought mental health
treatment for their young son, quickly using up their insurance policy's
allotted visits and then paying out of pocket to the extent they could afford.
"Eventually," explains a Web site set up to promote the law, "the O'Clairs had
to relinquish custody of Timothy to gain access to hospitalization." </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>In March 2001, the boy committed suicide at age
12.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>"If Timothy had diabetes or cancer, our health insurance
would have provided unlimited coverage," his parents wrote. "We are confident
that had Timothy received the services he needed, he would be here with us
now."</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Legislators have been trying to get Timothy's Law passed
for four years.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The law addresses coverage for both adults and children,
and it brings <st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New
York</st1:place></st1:State> in line with 35 other states.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>The most important part of the legislation is that it
brings co-pays for mental health services down to the same rate as other medical
services, rather than $50 or more per visit. It also requires health insurance
policies sold in <st1:State w:st="on">New York</st1:State> to provide at least
30 inpatient days and 20 outpatient visits for mental health treatment,
according to the organization 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>. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>Timothy's Law is a trial of sorts, because it expired three
years from its enactment. The law requires that the state Insurance Department
conduct a cost analysis of the legislation, so that financial ramifications can
be reviewed and taken into account before its expiration.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>For now, the sooner it takes effect, the better.
</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><FONT
color=#000000 size=3>For more information, go to the Timothy's Law Campaign at
www.timothyslaw.org or call
432-0333.</FONT></P></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>
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size=2><SPAN
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class=454481620-02052006><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT size=2><FONT
color=#0000ff><SPAN class=140590418-10042006><FONT size=4><STRONG><U>HAVE
A FRIEND WHO YOU THINK MIGHT WANT TO JOIN TIMOTHY'S
TEAM?</U></STRONG></FONT> </SPAN><SPAN
class=140590418-10042006> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<P>
<FORM name=form1 action=http://www.kilakwa.net/cgi-bin/cgiemail/tt.txt
method=post>
<TABLE width=350 border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD colSpan=2><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Refer A
Friend</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Friend's Name: </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=fname name=fname>
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Friend's Email: </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=femail2
name=femail> </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Your Name: </FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=name2 name=name>
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Your Email:</FONT></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT id=email2 name=email>
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD>
<DIV align=right><FONT
face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></FONT></DIV></TD>
<TD><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><INPUT type=submit value=Submit name=Submit>
</FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></FONT></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FORM></P></BODY></HTML>