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December 22, 2006

GOVERNOR PATAKI DELIVERS HOLIDAY PRESENT AND
SIGNS TIMOTHY’S LAW - IT’S OFFICIAL…WE HAVE A LAW!!!!

At 2:00 o’clock today, with the stroke of his pen, outgoing NYS Governor George Pataki signed Timothy’s Law, making New York the 38th state in the nation to enact mental health parity. Over 3.6 million New Yorkers and their loved ones and employers will be well served by having a bill that ends the discrimination that currently exists in insurance coverage for people with psychiatric disabilities. In addition, all New Yorkers will be well served by ending this stigmatizing practice and treating mental illness the same as physical illness.

We praise Governor Pataki for signing this bill into law. This ten day campaign which started after the Assembly passage on December 13th was actually more like a ten year journey for many of us. But this ten day campaign was a microcosm of the success of this entire year which was generated by the leadership of Tom O’Clair and the grassroots efforts of the Timothy’s Law Campaign across the state. The grassroots effort was able to galvanize thousands of phone calls, e-mails and faxes to the Governor’s office. We were also able to help get phone calls to the Governor from his close friends and colleagues who are supportive of parity. We were able to get editorial support from newspapers throughout the state and finally there was a small, core group of us who were a constant presence at the Capitol throughout this ten day period, as we were throughout this legislative session. All these pieces played a role in the Governor’s signing of this bill. Ultimately though, it was a courageous young man by the name of Timothy O’Clair who inspired his parents and all of us to fight for insurance parity in New York State. We would also like to thank the New York State Office of Mental Health, State Insurance Department and Division of the Budget for providing us with the opportunity to make the case for Timothy’s Law.

There are so many people to thank who helped lead the way over the years in this marathon. This movement was led by the Tom And Donna O’Clair and would have never happened without them. MHANYS is honored to have Tom O’Clair on the Board of Directors. This would not have happened with out the willingness of Governor Pataki to sign this bill into law and we praise him for leaving office with a legacy in mental health that will have an impact for many years to come.

We must also thank our indefatigable and tireless Assembly sponsor Paul Tonko who served as an inspiration to all of us as a true leader in making Timothy’s Law happen. We also thank NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assemblyman Peter Grannis, Assemblyman Peter Rivera and Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco for their leadership in making Timothy’s Law happen. We would also like to acknowledge the work of former-Assemblyman Steven Sanders for introducing the first parity bill, and to Assemblyman Jim Brennan and former-Assemblyman Marty Luster, for being our early leaders on parity.

On the Senate side, we thank the leadership of Senate sponsor Thomas Libous for his leadership and tireless efforts in making this bill happen. This bill would never have happened in the Senate without his vision. We thank NYS Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Senate Mental Health Committee Chair Thomas Morahan for their strong support of this legislation. In addition, David Paterson, the soon-to-be former NYS Senate Minority Leader and soon-to-be Lieutenant Governor, and Senator Thomas Duane, who have been major supporters and true leaders in the fight for Timothy’s Law.

We are also thankful to the Senate, Assembly and Governor’s staffs who worked with us every day (some for many years) to make Timothy’s law a reality. Without their work on the staff level, this bill would never have become law.

There are so many folks in the Timothy’s Law Campaign who deserve praise for their efforts. This was truly a team effort. Of course, we have to start with the vision and courage of the O’Clair family to step forward to share their personal story. Tom’s courage and spirit embodied the movement. All of us worked hard and put our heart and soul into this effort but no one worked harder or demanded more of himself than Tom.

There are so many other organizations to praise for their great work, such as Families Together in New York State, New York State Psychiatric Association, Coalition for the Homeless, Malkin and Ross, NAMI-NYS, NYS Rehabilitation Association, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, NYAPRS, New York Association on Independent Living, NASW-NYS Chapter, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Providers of NYS, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Medical Society of the State of NY, NYS Catholic Conference, NYS Parent-Teacher Association, NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Long Island Recovery Advocates, and the New York State Psychological Association,

As someone who has fought the parity battle for a long time, we are also indebted to the early leadership of this movement, back in the early 90’s when Roy Neville, Muriel Shepherd and Jerry Klein of NAMI were among the few people talking about this issue. They along with Richard Gallo were the true early leaders in this movement.

I would also like to acknowledge the major role that MHANYS has played over the years. First and foremost by Tom O’Clair, as a Member of our Board of Directors. Also, through the work of Susan Wheeler, MHANYS Board Member and chair of ‘Small Businesses for Timothy’s Law,’ Sylvia Lask, the former MHANYS Governmental Affairs Chair through her work on the MHANYS Board and the NYS Boards of Visitors. I also know through e-mails and phone conversations of the strong role played by other MHANYS Board Members and MHA affiliates in fighting for Timothy’s Law.

Former-MHANYS CEO Joe Glazer was instrumental in raising the visibility of this issue beyond the scope of just the mental health community. He dedicated much of his time and effort to making this law become a reality as did several other former MHANYS staff like Bryan O’Malley, Eva Walters, Renee Benson, Cindy Myer and Helen Weltin. Leila Salmon deserves a great deal of credit for her early advocacy while at MHANYS in helping to identify mental health parity as a major issue for the organization. Additional thanks are due to Kilakwa Associates’ for the generous donation of their services to make the Timothy’s Law website a reality.

And to the countless others who have helped in a variety of ways over the many years working toward this moment – I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

One of the true leaders of this movement is MHANYS Public Policy Director, Michael Seereiter, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make Timothy’s Law a reality. He put in an enormous amount of hours in to help make the many rallies across the state this year successful. He also was responsible for many of the positive editorials and media coverage about Timothy’s Law. I truly believe that Timothy’ Law would not have happened without Michael’s dedication to the cause.

Personally, although we know this bill is not everything we wanted, it is a quantum leap from what we had in the past. I feel very good about how this has all played out. I have been lucky to participate in the early years of the movement and now to be back in a position to have been helpful in making this bill come to fruition. This is a great day for New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.

Finally, we have to thank Timothy O’Clair for making today a reality. Through his short life, he has served as an inspiration to thousands of New Yorkers. Because of him and his family, New York State has a law that will save the lives of countless New Yorkers and erase the many years of discrimination against people with mental illness. This is the greatest legacy of all. God bless you Timothy.

Glenn Liebman

GOVERNOR PATAKI’S PRESS RELEASE:

GOVERNOR PATAKI SIGNS LEGISLATION ENACTING TIMOTHY’S LAW

New Law Requires Health Insurance Policy to Provide
Coverage to Adults and Children with Mental Illness

Governor George E. Pataki today signed legislation to enact Timothy’s Law, which will require insurance companies to provide coverage for individuals with mental illnesses.

The new law is named after Timothy O’Clair, a 12-year old boy from Schenectady County who had an emotional disorder, but was unable to obtain mental health services under his parent’s health insurance coverage. Timothy completed suicide in March 2001.

“It is vital that our society take care of those in need, especially our most vulnerable children,” Governor Pataki said. “Timothy’s Law is an important step to ensure that mental health services are accessible to all individuals and families, so that they can receive beneficial assistance and treatment for mental illnesses. Insurance coverage serves as a safety net and with this new law, we have extended this protection to children and families across the State.

“I commend the efforts of Tom and Donna O’Clair in helping to get this law enacted. Sharing their experiences and sense of loss was no doubt a difficult task, but through their tireless work and the support of numerous groups and individuals, individuals with mental illnesses will benefit,” the Governor added.

Tom O’Clair, Timothy’s father, said, “On behalf of my family and myself I wish to thank the Governor, the Leaders, and the entire Legislature and staff for their efforts that have made this day possible. I have maintained throughout this effort that this is Timothy’s work. With the timeless efforts of the advocates and supporters, and in Timothy’s name, New York can join some 39 other states in ending the discrimination facing mental illness. What a wonderful way for New Yorkers to celebrate the holidays.”

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, “Today is a dramatic step forward for those who suffer from mental illness, and a tremendous victory for families throughout New York. I applaud Tom and Donna O’Clair, who have courageously advocated on behalf of this legislation since the loss of their son over five years ago. I thank Governor Pataki for signing this bill today and also Senators Tom Libous and Tom Morahan for their hard work on behalf of Timothy’s Law in the Senate.”

Senator Thomas W. Libous said, “We’ve worked for years to help provide needed insurance coverage to families to prevent future tragedies like Timothy O’Clair’s. I applaud Governor Pataki, Assemblyman Tonko, the O’Clair Family and the many other advocates who fought to get this important compromise bill done.”

Assemblyman Paul D. Tonko, who was the lead sponsor of the legislation in the Assembly, said, “The Governor’s approval formally brings to an end a long fought battle to end discrimination. Timothy’s Law is a victory for working families who require access to and affordability of mental health services. The determination and perseverance of the O’Clair family and their colleagues of the Timothy’s Law Coalition are proof positive that grassroots efforts can inspire fair and just public policy.”

Senator Thomas P. Morahan said, “I am delighted that the Governor is signing Timothy’s Law. This landmark legislation will put mental health treatment on parity with other physical illnesses. As Chairman of the Mental Health Committee and on behalf of the mental health community, I congratulate and thank Governor Pataki.”

Under this new law, which takes effect January 1, 2007, health insurance providers are required to provide comparable insurance coverage for mental illnesses (“parity”) as the policies provide for other medical care. This will allow adults and children with biologically-based mental illnesses to receive the same health care coverage benefits as those provided for other physical ailments.

In a calendar year, the coverage must include at least 30 days of active inpatient (hospital) care, and at least 20 days of active treatment in a facility operated by the State Office of Mental Health (OMH), a psychiatrist or psychologist licensed to practice in New York, or a university faculty practice corporation. The cost of any premiums and deductibles must be consistent with those imposed for other benefits available under the insurance policy.

Insurance coverage for businesses with 50 or more employees must include treatment for schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, bulimia, anorexia, serious cases of attention deficit disorders in children, disruptive disorders, or pervasive development disorders. In addition, children under 18 years of age are eligible for coverage if they have serious suicidal symptoms or other life-threatening self-destructive behaviors, significant psychotic symptoms, behavior causes by emotional disturbance that place the child at risk of causing personal injury or significant property damage, or behavior caused by emotional disturbances that place the child at substantial risk of removal from the household.

A group insurance purchaser with 50 or fewer employees, such as a small business, will be required to make the parity benefits coverage for mental health services available for purchase upon request. In addition, the law seeks to offset the additional costs that may be placed on such groups by directing the Superintendent of the State Insurance Department to develop and implement a plan to fully cover the costs for these small group insurance purchasers, which will be financed through the State General Fund.

Richard M. Peer, MD, President of the Medical Society of the State of New York, said, “Together Governor Pataki, Senator Bruno, and Speaker Silver have established protections which will ensure that New Yorker’s living with mental illness will receive the care and treatment necessary to address the needs of their medical condition, regardless of whether an insurer considers that condition to be ‘physical’ or ‘mental.’”

OMH Commissioner Sharon E. Carpinello, RN, PhD, said, “Today, we celebrate the life of Timothy O’Clair with the enactment of Timothy’s Law. Building on the unprecedented ‘Achieving the Promise for New York’s Children and Families,’ mental health parity promotes wellness for all New Yorkers. Early intervention and treatment are critical in reducing the disabling and costly effects of serious mental illness for individuals and families. Mental health parity is a significant step in ensuring that children and adults with mental illness have access to the services and supports they need. Recovery from mental illness is possible and does occur. This legislation is another important step forward in helping reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.”

Insurance Superintendent Howard Mills said, “This is another in a series of far-reaching steps by Governor Pataki and the legislature to ensure all New Yorkers, and most especially children, have the security of knowing they have health insurance on which they can always depend. The Insurance Department will immediately begin work to fulfill the Governor’s mandate to eliminate any financial impact on small groups.”

The $62 million “Achieving the Promise for New York’s Children and Families” initiative is the single largest investment in new children’s mental health services in New York State history. The initiative consists of a highly interrelated series of fundamental changes in the ways that services are provided, the means through which services are accessed, and profound improvements in clinical quality. Among the programs being funded are: $33 million for the Child and Family Clinic-Plus program, which provides screening and early intervention services for nearly 400,000 children each year; $21.5 million to create 450 new opportunities in the Home and Community-Based Waiver Program, which allows children to be served each year in their homes and with their families; and $450,000 for rural telepsychiatry, expanding access to comprehensive evaluations and consultations in rural health areas.

Timothy’s law would sunset on January 31, 2009.

IN THE NEWS

Sign Timothy's Law - The mentally ill deserve equal access to insurance
Syracuse Post-Standard, Editorial, December 21, 2006

In this season where compassion should come easily, Gov. George Pataki should demonstrate his by signing legislation that would make Timothy's Law a reality.

The legislation represents the only good thing to have come out of Albany's session-to-nowhere last week.

The law is named after Timothy O'Clair, the 12-year-old who committed suicide in 2001. He might be alive today had he been able to get the treatment he desperately needed - which was not fully covered under his parents' health insurance. They even gave up custody of the boy in hopes the state would take care of him. But time ran out.

His father, Tom, who is keeping vigil outside Pataki's office, has fought a long fight to get the legislation passed in the hopes that other children or adults would not suffer the fate of his son.

After much wrangling and pressure from business groups opposed to the law, the Senate finally passed a bill in September. The Assembly, which has steadfastly backed the legislation, passed the bill in last week's special session. Among its provisions are full coverage for schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, bipolar, panic and delusional disorders, and conditions such as anorexia and bulimia.

Most importantly, it includes coverage for children under 18 who suffer from the disruptive behavior disorders that affected Timothy.

The major objection to Timothy's Law has centered around costs. Business groups have complained that providing mental health coverage will hurt businesses, especially small ones. The SSA, an Albany-based business group, is calling for Pataki to veto the legislation. The group says such mandates put an unfair burden on businesses.

But such a stance suggests that people suffering from mental illness are not worthy of the same kind of health coverage that is provided for physical illness.

Besides, the legislation calls for the state Insurance Department to come up with a formula so that businesses with 50 or fewer people will be protected. It also includes a provision that would require the department and the Office of Mental Health to conduct a study to determine the impact of the legislation after two years.

A Price Waterhouse study found that the coverage would cost less than $20 more per person, and that businesses in states with mental health coverage had not been adversely affected.

Even if the care is not cheap, will the state decide that the mentally ill are not worth the cost?

Gov. Pataki should sign Timothy's Law. Otherwise, New York would be a state that is willing to provide insurance coverage for a broken leg, but not a tortured soul.

Mentally Ill Catch a Break - Pataki should sign bill providing parity in health insurance coverage.
Buffalo News, Editorial, December 20, 2006

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.

Now, outgoing Gov. George E. Pataki must act quickly and sign it into law.

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.

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.

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.

Exclusions are virtually nonexistent and there are significant provisions for the care of children.

If a lame-duck governor chooses within the next few days to sign this piece of legislation, New York will be able to remove itself as one of the few states that does not mandate mental-health insurance parity.

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.

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.

Pataki Must OK Timothy's Law
Poughkeepsie Journal, Editorial, December 19, 2006

Treating mental illnesses the same as physical ailments when it comes to insurance coverage in New York 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.

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 New York 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.

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.

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.

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.

The law is set to expire three years after it’s enacted and requires a cost analysis by the state Insurance Department.

The bill gets its name from Timothy O’Clair of Schenectady, 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.

Like many important issues in Albany, 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 Albany.

Pataki needs to sign this crucial law immediately and help those burdened by mental illness get the treatment they need and deserve.

Pataki Bumps to the Finish - Special legislative session he called produces nothing but Timothy's Law.
Newsday, Editorial, December 19, 2006

After a couple of years of incremental improvement, Albany 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not a Total Waste ...
Middletown Times Herald Record, Editorial, December 19, 2006

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.

The bill is called Timothy's Law. It is named after Timothy O'Clair, the 12-year-old from Schenectady 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.

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.

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 California) in premiums. Federal workers also receive such coverage. New York has been negligent on this for far too long.

When Doing Nothing Is Better
The New York Times, Editorial, December 16, 2006

Gov. George Pataki is a man in a hurry. After 12 years in office and about two weeks before he moves on — possibly to campaign for the White House — Mr. Pataki is eager for more conservative ribbons on his lapel. But after he called a special legislative session this week, New York’s Legislature, never known for speed, moved into its slowest gear.

In fact, almost nothing of consequence happened, which in this case was real progress. The consolidation of state hospitals remained intact. There were no pay raises for legislators who have not done enough to deserve them. Legislation that might have zipped from rough draft into final (and faulty) law got slowed down so the public, most lawmakers and even the insiders will now have time to consider it.

The governor was angling mainly for an ill-conceived bill to extend civil confinement for sexual predators, beyond their prison terms. He also wanted authorization for 200 more charter schools, an expansion that could hurt some public schools, especially upstate. Mr. Pataki’s parting wish list also included the approval of up to 400 appointments to a variety of boards and authorities across the state. Unfortunately, he got those, a send-off from the State Senate, which approves gubernatorial appointments and is controlled by fellow Republicans. Mr. Pataki indignantly blamed Democrats and, particularly, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for the empty session. Perhaps sharpening his skills for the national political stage, he suggested that if a sexual predator gets out of jail and harms anybody, it will be thanks to Mr. Silver’s “political failure.” And Mr. Pataki made it sound as though the Democrats were holding up this four-star, all-American legislation simply because they wanted a pay raise.

Of course, they all want a pay raise, including the Republicans. But Mr. Silver insisted the real reason for the delay is that he would rather wait for the arrival of the new Democratic governor, Eliot Spitzer, than rush to grant a lame duck governor’s departing wish list.

It will certainly be a different political mix starting Jan. 1. But we always need our legislators to take the time to do their work carefully — and, we hope, more openly. So at this point, this do-nothing session in Albany turned out to be the right thing to do.

Timothy's Law Vigil
Excerpt from Syracuse Post-Standard, Albany Notebook, December 20, 2006
By Erik Kriss

The father of the boy after whom Timothy's Law is named is keeping a candlelight vigil this week outside Gov. George Pataki's Capitol office as Pataki decides whether to sign the bill.

Tom O'Clair has been advocating for Timothy's Law since his youngest son committed suicide in 2001 at the age of 12.

The bill on Pataki's desk would require insurers to cover mental health largely to the same degree they must cover physical ailments.

The small-business group SSA is urging Pataki to veto the bill, saying its requirement that the state subsidize the cost of the new mandates on businesses with 50 or fewer employees is not defined and will amount to a tax. Pataki has until Tuesday to act.

Bush Signs Ferguson's Respite Care Bill
Newsday, December 21, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Bush on Thursday signed a bill making it easier for the estimated 50 million families caring at home for adults and children with special needs to find respite care.

The Lifespan Respite Care Act provides $289 million over five years for states to train volunteers and provide other services to families. Respite care can come in many forms, from tutoring autistic children to helping feed and dress an elderly parent to transporting someone to a doctor's appointment.

The legislation was sponsored in the House by New Jersey Rep. Mike Ferguson.

"This important law not only recognizes the selfless sacrifices made by millions of family caregivers but also sends them an important message _ help is on the way," Ferguson, a Republican from Warren County, said after Bush signed the bill during an Oval Office ceremony.

Ferguson gained firsthand experience with respite care when his father, Thomas, quit his job to care for his ailing wife after she was diagnosed with cancer. Roberta Ferguson died in 2003 after battling multiple myeloma for six years.