Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Update on Mental Parity

I've been anxiously watching the progress of the Mental Health Parity bills as they have passed through the house and senate. I've been pleased that they have passed so easily. Unfortunately, the bills were not written exactly the same, so a compromise has to be worked out. So they've thrown the compromise into the Jobs, Energy, Families and Disaster Relief Act of 2008 (S. 3335). And now, even though the majority of senators and representatives agree on passing this bill, it may not pass because of all the junk that has been thrown in with it. This new act spans charity, energy, tax, film industry, education, privacy, relief, and medical issues. It is chuck full of earmarks. Here are two of the low points:

7-Year Recovery Period for Certain Motorsports Racetrack Property.
The estimated cost of this proposal is $48 million over ten years.

Excise Tax Exemption for Wooden Practice Arrows Used by Children.
The estimated cost of the proposal is $2 million over ten years.

I'm so tired of earmarks! Especially when they jeopardize legitimate bills.

No comments: