Friday, May 16, 2003

Senate Republicans Gain Crucial Democratic Vote on Tax Cut
New York Times story - "A bipartisan group of senators reached agreement with Republican leaders today on a financial aid package for the states," including $10 billion to states to offset higher Medicaid costs. [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Wanted: Insurance Parity for Mental Illness
HealthScoutNews story at Yahoo on "a broad coalition of mental health advocates, including 255 national organizations" that jas "lined up in support of federal legislation designed to require insurance companies offering mental health coverage to make the benefits on par with those for other medical conditions." The story notes that "The federal mental health "parity" measure failed during a congressional logjam last session, but drew support from some 300 members of Congress, most of whom still hold their seats."  
  

Advocates object to new prisons (North Carolina)
Story in the News Observer - "It didn't take long for debate to break out among members of the council charged with supervising the state's juvenile justice system when they met Thursday -- for the second time in as many years. Gov. Mike Easley and Juvenile Justice Secretary George Sweat have said they want to build three youth prisons at a cost of $90 million. Other council members said the money could be better spent on hiring more staff and improving services for troubled youth."  
  

Human services in jeopardy if state budget gets approved (Pennsylvania)
Story in The Mercury on comments by Montgomery County commissioners on the impact pf proposed human services cuts in the state's 2003-2004 budget, which takes effect July 1.