May 2, 2007 7:49 AM

Do It For Wellstone

Today, as Americans respond to the President's veto, many will remember former Senator Paul Wellstone, whose principled opposition to the invasion reminds us that not everyone was bulldozed in the fall of '02.

Lost in the day's news cycle, though, may be another issue the departed Senator cared for passionately: mental health parity. Today is National Parity Day, and you can take action to help honor Wellstone's legacy.

As we've received from Wellstone Action (1 of 50 great groups that receive financial support from Working Assets customers):

Today, as part of National Parity Day, David Wellstone is meeting with members of Congress to urge them to finally pass legislation that his father championed for over a decade, a bill now known as the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. The Wellstone bill is co-sponsored by a majority of members of the House, but unless action is taken in the next two months in committee, the bill will likely not pass this year.

Today, please call the national parity hotline (1-866-PARITY4) and ask to be connected to your member of Congress. The message is simple:

"I am calling to urge you to support the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. This is a bipartisan bill that is co-sponsored by a majority of House members. It is common sense legislation that ends discrimination against people suffering from mental illness and addiction. The Wellstone bill is fair, just, and long overdue. Please support this bill and urge your colleagues to finally pass it out of the House this year."

Thanks for your help in getting the Wellstone bill passed.

More info on the bill is available at Wellstone Action.