Mental Health America's annual Legislative Breakfst will be held Friday, October 3, 2008, at the Westin Convention Center, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.  This event, sponsored by Mental Health America - Allegheny County with funding from the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, is an opportunity for individuals, including those with physical and mental disabilities, to hear from local, state and national public officials about issues that affect them including housing, transportation, healthcare and overall wellness. 

Some of the issues likely to be discussed include:

House Bill 1448, which would establish the Mental Health Community Trust Fund to ensure that monies gained from the sale of Mayview State Hospital, as well as those from any future downsizing, consolidating and closing of mental health facilities, will be funneled back into the mental health system to be used to support a full range of housing options and services that support independent living for those individuals displaced by the changes. 

House Bill 2253, which would raise the monthly personal needs allowance from $60 to $120 for the almost 9,000 personal care residents living in PA.  Currently, these residents must stretch the $60 to cover medical co-pays, clothing, shoes, cigarettes, entertainment and other personal needs.

Senate Bill 2005, which would stop the practive of "medical underwriting."  Insurance companies would no longer be able to charge higher rates for pre-existing conditions, chronic diseases and disabilities.

For questions concerning this year's event, or the above legislation, please contact Sarah Rosso by phone at (412) 391-3820 ext. 25 or by email at srosso@mhaac.net.