First, my apologies if the spacing and lines on this Alert
come out corrupted again. We are fighting a (non-violent) war with our e-mail provider to try to get this
problem resolved so that our alerts will be appetizing to look at and will entice you to act for advocacy.
A couple of topics dear to Good Shepherd hearts are on
the agenda this week.
MENTAL HEALTH PARITY
The Paul Wellstone Mental Health & Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424) is expected
to come to the House floor this week. This bill expands the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 by prohibiting
group health plans from imposing treatment or financial limitations on mental health benefits that are different from those
applied to medical/surgical services. Although the legislation applies only to group health plans already
providing mental health benefits and exempts plans sponsored by small businesses of fewer than 50 employees, it would be a
big step in the right direction.
ACTION REQUESTED: CALL your REPRESENTATIVE
Use the toll-free Parity
Hotline 1-866-727-4894 to call your U.S. Representative. Ask for the staff person who works on mental health
issues. Your message:
“I am a constituent of Representative _______ and I am calling to ask that he/she vote for
H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health & Addiction Equity Act. Parity is a fair and affordable
solution to insurance discrimination that will save lives and families.”
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The Trafficking Victims
Protection Reauthorization Act is still under consideration. On our website, there is a sample letter promoting
a specific amendment designed to allow a trafficking survivor time to reflect and consider all the available options, rather
than being forced to decide right away whether or not to be a witness for the prosecution.
ACTION REQUESTED: WRITE (FAX) or e-mail
Go to the “Take Action Now” section of our website and fill in your name and address. The software will automatically generate letters
to your Senators which you are free to personalize and edit. Then by scrolling down to the bottom of the
site, you can enter your zip code again, and it will give you your legislators’ contact information, including their
fax number. “Snail mail” is okay, too – but it takes about two weeks to get delivered,
due to security and decontamination processes.
HEAD START and CHILD CARE
Reminder that today is March 4th,
the day to “March Forth” to support increased funding for these essential programs.
ACTION REQUESTED: CALL
your SENATORS and REPRESENTATIVE
Use the toll-free number 1-888-460-0813 and ask the operator to connect you to your legislator’s office.
Tell the staffer who answers the phone:
“My name is _________ and I’m a constituent. I’m calling because I believe that
child care and Head Start are essential programs for children and families. I urge Senator / Representative
(insert name) to support an increase of $874 million for child care and $1 billion for Head Start in this year’s budget.”
HOUSING - HOMELESSNESS
Check out our website for a sample letter on the Housing America’s Workforce Act:
“Try it, you’ll like it!”
Blessing on your zeal.
