Also from NAMI:
House-Passed Budget Legislation Would Harm Medicaid Beneficiaries With Serious Mental Illness -- Bill Includes Higher Medicaid Cost Sharing -- Senate Vote Could Occur Tomorrow

Early this morning, the House passed a $41.7 billion deficit reduction bill that includes reductions to a broad range of entitlement programs, including both Medicare and Medicaid. The vote was 212-206. The legislation, known as the "budget reconciliation" package now moves to the Senate which is expected to move on the legislation soon, possibly tomorrow. The vote is expected to be very close. Because of rules governing the budget reconciliation process, the package is not subject to a filibuster (i.e., be killed through unlimited debate) and can pass with only 50 votes.

Among the Senators whose votes could turn the outcome are: Norm Coleman (Minnesota), Susan Collins (Maine), Mike DeWine (Ohio), Mary Landrieu (Louisiana), Ben Nelson (Nebraska) and Arlen Specter (Pennsylvania). NAMI advocates in these states are strongly encouraged to call these Senators and urge them to oppose S 1932. All Senate offices can be reached by calling 1-866-727-4894.