RAMSTAD INTRODUCES "PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PARITY ACT"

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN), with three other Congressional sponsors, today introduced legislation to end discrimination against people with mental illness seeking treatment.

At a Capitol news conference, Ramstad joined Senators Pete Domenici and Edward Kennedy, as well as Rep. Patrick Kennedy, in introducing the "Paul Wellstone Mental Health Treatment Parity Act."

Kitty Westin, representing the Anna Westin Foundation of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, also spoke at the news conference.

"It’s only fitting that this legislation carries Paul Wellstone’s name because he fought so hard and so long for the 54 million Americans with mental illness," said Ramstad.

"Now, it’s time for Congress and the President to act," said Ramstad. "It’s time for Congress to end the discrimination against people with mental illness! It’s time to pass mental health parity legislation!"

"Passing this mental health parity bill is not only the right thing to do; it’s also the cost-effective thing to do," said Ramstad.

"The American people should not be forced to wait any longer for Congress to knock down the barriers to treatment for mental illness," said Ramstad. "Congress must hear their call and pass the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Treatment Act this year."