Alexandria, Va., October 9, 2007 - The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) applauds Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) for his thirty-five years of service in the Senate on behalf of the people of New Mexico and the millions of Americans who suffer from mental disorders.
Sen. Domenici, along with the late Paul Wellstone (D-MN), were the original authors of the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, legislation that began the process of ending health insurance discrimination against people suffering from mental illness.
As a longtime mental health advocate, the Senator has been a strong promoter of the passage of strong parity legislation, and his perseverance and commitment to this issue will long be remembered. The 110th Congress should enact, and President Bush sign, legislation currently pending in Congress to end the discrimination of those with mental illnesses.
"For almost four decades, Senator Domenici has worked tirelessly for the people of New Mexico, and represented them with honor and distinction, said Gary Gintner, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, AMHCA President. We appreciate his commitment and dedication, particularly on mental health issues, and look forward to working with him for the remainder of the session. We wish Sen. Domenici and his family all the best for the future,"