WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) applauded President Bush’s proposal in today’s State of the Union address to provide vouchers to people seeking chemical dependency treatment.

"I’m grateful the President is addressing the epidemic of alcohol and drug addiction in his State of the Union message by providing greater access to chemical dependency treatment," said Ramstad.

"I’ve discussed the voucher proposal with the President and consider it an important first step in addressing the lack of access to treatment for people who are chemically dependent," said Ramstad.

"I agree with the President that faith-based treatment centers should not face discrimination by the federal government in providing treatment because I’ve seen, firsthand, their positive treatment outcomes," said Ramstad.

"I’m hopeful the President will also support my legislation to provide chemical dependency treatment for people in health plans who are unable to gain access to treatment," concluded Ramstad.