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{ timecode: 0, handler: 'blob', id: 1, data: {text: 'REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA BALLARD: Alright, good afternoon. Thank you very much. I know you’re having a great dialogue, and I hate to interfere, but we need to go on with our program. And since '}},
{ timecode: 17, handler: 'blob', id: 2, data: {text: 'we’re coming back on, I’ll simply say again, welcome to the 15th Annual National Black Caucus of State Legislators Mental Health Conference, here in Indianapolis, Indiana. Yeah. As you '}},
{ timecode: 35, handler: 'blob', id: 3, data: {text: 'know, we mentioned this morning as well that our guests, congressmen and congresswomen are in Washington DC, so they can’t be with us, and that’s where they should be today in order to '}},
{ timecode: 49, handler: 'blob', id: 4, data: {text: 'take care of the business that they’re supposed to be, but also taking care of the nation. But we are fortunate enough that we do have some clips and, that we’re going to bring to you, and '}},
{ timecode: 63, handler: 'blob', id: 5, data: {text: 'I will start first by bringing up State Representative Bill Crawford, who will then introduce Congressman Andre Carson, and then we’ll go to Detroit, and then we’ll go to Miami, so that we '}},
{ timecode: 78, handler: 'blob', id: 6, data: {text: 'give them their time to introduce those individuals as well. Representative Crawford. REPRESENTATIVE BILL CRAWFORD: Thank you very much, Vice-President Ballard. Good afternoon to everyone that’s '}},
{ timecode: 96, handler: 'blob', id: 7, data: {text: 'here. It is indeed an honor for me to introduce Congressman Andre Carson to present to many, because he’s been a congressperson for less than 6 months. He won a special election on March the '}},
{ timecode: 111, handler: 'blob', id: 8, data: {text: '11th, 2008 to fill the vacancy of his grandmother, Congresswoman Julia Carson, who had passed away. Congressman Carson is a 33-year-old, he was a member of the city/county council at the time that he '}},
{ timecode: 129, handler: 'blob', id: 9, data: {text: 'was elected in the special election in March. Andre – Congressperson Carson grew up here in Indianapolis, in an area generally characterized as a rough neighborhood, but Andre walked past dope '}},
{ timecode: 145, handler: 'blob', id: 10, data: {text: 'dealers to go to Arsenal Technical High School to get his education. He received a bachelor’s from Concordia College in criminal justice management, he received his master’s from West Lynn '}},
{ timecode: 163, handler: 'blob', id: 11, data: {text: 'University in business management. He is married to Mary Alma, and they have 2 children. Mary Alma is an educator in the Pike Township school system, an award-winning educator. She was designated '}},
{ timecode: 181, handler: 'blob', id: 12, data: {text: 'teacher of the year about 3 years ago, so they’re a family of great service, and they have provided tremendous leadership. Andre serves on the Financial Services Committee, that’s a '}},
{ timecode: 195, handler: 'blob', id: 13, data: {text: 'prestigious committee. When Secretary Paulsen and – came to present the plan, the quote, unquote, bailout plan, Congressman Carson was a member of the committee that heard and vetted that issue '}},
{ timecode: 210, handler: 'blob', id: 14, data: {text: 'in the United States Congress. He is a rising star, and it is my pleasure to present to you Congressman Andre Carson. CONGRESSMAN ANDRE CARSON: Greetings. I’m Congressman Andre Carson. It is '}},
{ timecode: 224, handler: 'blob', id: 15, data: {text: 'indeed a pleasure for me to welcome all of you to this year’s NBCSL forum on mental health. I regret not being there with you today. Our nation’s economy is currently under performing. '}},
{ timecode: 236, handler: 'blob', id: 16, data: {text: 'Unemployment is high while wages are low. Furthermore, foreclosures have reached record highs. Due to our current financial crisis, I am here in Washington, working with my colleagues on solutions to '}},
{ timecode: 250, handler: 'blob', id: 17, data: {text: 'revive our receding economy. So again, please accept my apologies in regards to my absence. It is my intent to be an active part of future events sponsored by your prestigious organization. Mental '}},
{ timecode: 265, handler: 'blob', id: 18, data: {text: 'health care is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. People close to me and members of my own family have suffered from such illnesses. These experiences have given me a unique insight regarding '}},
{ timecode: 281, handler: 'blob', id: 19, data: {text: 'mental health care in our community. African-Americans in this country are at a greater risk for almost every health problem you can think of, from heart disease to diabetes to mental illness. '}},
{ timecode: 296, handler: 'blob', id: 20, data: {text: 'Furthermore, access to affordable health care in our community is a major problem. Of the 45 million uninsured Americans, half of them are people of color. Therefore, access to health care needs to be '}},
{ timecode: 314, handler: 'blob', id: 21, data: {text: 'improved, and with health care reform on the horizon, it is important that we make mental health treatments more accessible. Additionally, we must fight the stigmas often associated with mental health '}},
{ timecode: 329, handler: 'blob', id: 22, data: {text: 'illnesses. Stigmas prevent those in need of help from seeking it. A high number of African-Americans suffer from depression. Sadly, many African-Americans who suffer from depression are committing '}},
{ timecode: 344, handler: 'blob', id: 23, data: {text: 'suicide. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among African-American youth. Young black males that suffer from depression are unlikely to ever see a doctor. For the few that are able to '}},
{ timecode: 361, handler: 'blob', id: 24, data: {text: 'access care, misdiagnosis is common. Unfortunately, many in our community are reluctant to discuss mental health issues, but by starting an open dialogue, we can reduce the stigma associated with '}},
{ timecode: 377, handler: 'blob', id: 25, data: {text: 'mental illness in our community. In Congress, we are working very hard to bring equality to this issue. I was very proud to support the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Parity Act. This bill’s goal '}},
{ timecode: 392, handler: 'blob', id: 26, data: {text: 'is to have mental illnesses treated the same way as other illnesses. At the heart of this bill is equity. Health care plans would be required to provide equal coverage for mental health benefits, and '}},
{ timecode: 408, handler: 'blob', id: 27, data: {text: 'while I applaud and support the passage of the Paul Wellstone Act, we still have more to do. In addition to mental health parity, we also need to increase funding for other vital services. Finally, we '}},
{ timecode: 423, handler: 'blob', id: 28, data: {text: 'need to encourage our young African-American scholars to pursue careers such as doctors, scientists, becoming nurses, and attorneys. If we are going to fix health care in this country, we must be more '}},
{ timecode: 441, handler: 'blob', id: 29, data: {text: 'involved. Next year we will elect a new president and a new Congress. Health care is going to be one of the biggest issues facing the new administration and this new Congress. Friends, we have the '}},
{ timecode: 456, handler: 'blob', id: 30, data: {text: 'power to influence the health care debate in our great country. So it is very important that we exert our influence wisely. In closing, I would like to thank the National Black Caucus of State '}},
{ timecode: 469, handler: 'blob', id: 31, data: {text: 'Legislators for inviting me to speak today. We must all work together to raise our collective consciousness about mental health issues. We can’t be silent any longer. Again, thank you for your '}},
{ timecode: 483, handler: 'blob', id: 32, data: {text: 'time, and God bless you. REPRESENTATIVE BALLARD: Thank you very much Representative Crawford for doing the introduction, and we certainly wish to thank Congressman Carson. We’d like to now go to '}},
{ timecode: 498, handler: 'blob', id: 33, data: {text: 'Detroit for their broadcast with State Senator Clarke. SENATOR HANSEN CLARKE: I am now going to introduce U.S. Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. She is now in her sixth term of Congress. Her '}},
{ timecode: 512, handler: 'blob', id: 34, data: {text: 'hard work and thoughtful political style has earned her an appointment on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She is the only Michigan Democrat to serve on this committee, and that committee '}},
{ timecode: 524, handler: 'blob', id: 35, data: {text: 'authorizes all federal spending in the U.S. Government. She has secured more than half billion dollars for the City of Detroit in the 13th District. Now, I served with her briefly in the Michigan '}},
{ timecode: 540, handler: 'blob', id: 36, data: {text: 'House of Representatives. There she served for 18 years, and she was the first African-American woman appointed to the State House Appropriations Committee. Representative Kilpatrick is also an '}},
{ timecode: 553, handler: 'blob', id: 37, data: {text: 'educator. She received degrees from Western Michigan University, and a master’s degree from University of Michigan, and as many of you may know, she is the proud mother of 2 children, Ayana and '}},
{ timecode: 568, handler: 'blob', id: 38, data: {text: 'Kwami, and has 6 grandchildren, including a set of twins, and as soon as we’re able to bring her up, I’d like to introduce to you Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. CONGRESSWOMAN '}},
{ timecode: 580, handler: 'blob', id: 39, data: {text: 'CAROLYN CHEEKS KILPATRICK: Hi, I’m Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick from Detroit, Michigan. So sorry I couldn’t be with you today. As you know, the House is in session, voting on '}},
{ timecode: 590, handler: 'blob', id: 40, data: {text: 'the bailout package. As a former state legislator for 18 years, I worked very closely with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Congratulations to my friend and your president, Calvin Smyre '}},
{ timecode: 603, handler: 'blob', id: 41, data: {text: 'from Georgia. You’re doing a wonderful job, Mr. President. Thank you for your leadership. And to all my former colleagues and present colleagues who serve in state legislatures all over the '}},
{ timecode: 613, handler: 'blob', id: 42, data: {text: 'country, we are most proud of you. Keep up the fight, we must build a better America. Mental health, one of the major issues our country faces. Unfortunately, mental health institutions across America '}},
{ timecode: 627, handler: 'blob', id: 43, data: {text: 'have been decimated; many have been put in community settings without the finance to go with it. Not enough medication, not enough staffing. In my own mental health community in my own mental health '}},
{ timecode: 640, handler: 'blob', id: 44, data: {text: 'board, they long for assistance from state and finance – from state and federal agencies, and unfortunately, the need is greater than the dollars allowed. So you’re timely, and if I were '}},
{ timecode: 652, handler: 'blob', id: 45, data: {text: 'there with you, I’d say keep up the fight. The good news in the last 24 hours, as we talk about the bailout, you may know by now that the Senate put in their bailout bill monies for mental '}},
{ timecode: 664, handler: 'blob', id: 46, data: {text: 'health parity, that mental health will be treated in the doctor’s office, in the hospitals, just as regular illnesses will. We, the House, passed that bill in September. The Senate had not taken '}},
{ timecode: 677, handler: 'blob', id: 47, data: {text: 'it up, and decided last night to put it in the bailout bill. So we’re looking at it right now to see how far it goes, if it’s properly funded, and how we can work together through you, our '}},
{ timecode: 688, handler: 'blob', id: 48, data: {text: 'National Caucus of State Black Legislators, to make sure that localities across the country get the finance and support they need to treat mental illness. Another big area that you know you know '}},
{ timecode: 700, handler: 'blob', id: 49, data: {text: 'about, is post-traumatic stress syndrome, that many of our warriors who are coming home from, from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are showing signs of post-traumatic stress syndrome. We’ve '}},
{ timecode: 714, handler: 'blob', id: 50, data: {text: 'got to make sure that they have what they need. We have increased veterans health budget some millions of dollars the first time in decades in our country. So we’re on the right track. '}},
{ timecode: 725, handler: 'blob', id: 51, data: {text: 'We’re looking to work with you as your partner. We, members of Congress, and specifically, Congressional Black Caucus members, 42 members from 21 states, we represent over 40 million Americans, '}},
{ timecode: 739, handler: 'blob', id: 52, data: {text: 'and we look forward to continuing to work with you. So sorry we couldn’t be with you this morning throughout your conference, both today and tomorrow, but stand up, speak out, organize, let us '}},
{ timecode: 752, handler: 'blob', id: 53, data: {text: 'know how we can work with you. Mental health is an illness that must be addressed, from the very young to the very senior, to our warriors who have given their lives to our country. God bless you, and '}},
{ timecode: 763, handler: 'blob', id: 54, data: {text: 'have a wonderful conference. REPRESENTATIVE BALLARD: I want to thank Senator Clarke for the introduction, and certainly for Congresswoman Kilpatrick. Very timely comments today, in light of the last '}},
{ timecode: 778, handler: 'blob', id: 55, data: {text: 'session we just had with our veterans, so it’s very good. Now moving on to Florida. REPRESENTATIVE JOE GIBBONS: Thank you. And welcome to the lovely City of Miami. Before I get started in '}},
{ timecode: 791, handler: 'blob', id: 56, data: {text: 'introducing Congressman Meek, I’d like to recognize the attendance of 2 of my colleagues that have joined us. Representative Yolly Roberson from North Dade, who is very passionate about this '}},
{ timecode: 801, handler: 'blob', id: 57, data: {text: 'issue, and Representative Oscar Braynon, who is very supportive of all of our activities. So I would like to thank you for joining us here today. Congressman Kendrick V. Meek, Congressman Kendrick V. '}},
{ timecode: 814, handler: 'blob', id: 58, data: {text: 'Meek who’s serving in his first – in his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, was first elected to public office at the age of 27. Congressman Meek is a member of the powerful '}},
{ timecode: 825, handler: 'blob', id: 59, data: {text: 'House Ways and Means Committee, the committee in Congress that has jurisdiction over virtually every aspect of federal government activity. Mr. Meek is the only Floridian who serves on the Ways and '}},
{ timecode: 839, handler: 'blob', id: 60, data: {text: 'Means Committee. Congressman Meek also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. In January of 2007, Congressman Meek was appointed to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Now as you know, the NATO '}},
{ timecode: 852, handler: 'blob', id: 61, data: {text: 'stands for National Atlantic Treaty Organization, which deals with international issues, and as you know, what’s going on in the world today, that is a very important committee for him to be on. '}},
{ timecode: 862, handler: 'blob', id: 62, data: {text: 'Congressman Meek was appointed to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has described Congressman Meek as a rising leader in the House, who’s respected '}},
{ timecode: 875, handler: 'blob', id: 63, data: {text: 'throughout the caucus and throughout the Congress. Congressman Meek has sponsored legislation that provides preferential trade status for Haiti. Congressman – Representative Roban – '}},
{ timecode: 885, handler: 'blob', id: 64, data: {text: 'Roberson. The poorest country in the western hemisphere. Expands the number of Medicaid supported physician residency training positions in the states with a shortage of residents. Congressman Meek is '}},
{ timecode: 896, handler: 'blob', id: 65, data: {text: 'the chairman of the board of the directors of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, a non procin – non-profit public policy research and educational institute, founded by members of '}},
{ timecode: 907, handler: 'blob', id: 66, data: {text: 'Congress of the Black Caucus in 1976. An experienced legislator, who served 8 years in the Florida House where we serve, Congressman Meek was elected to Congress in 2002. Mr. – Congressman Meek, '}},
{ timecode: 923, handler: 'blob', id: 67, data: {text: 'before he left the House of Representatives in Florida, passed a bill that controlled class sizes. As we know, in order for our children to get a good education, they need class sizes where they can '}},
{ timecode: 934, handler: 'blob', id: 68, data: {text: 'get attention. Congressman Meek, over a lot of opposition, especially from people who thought that it was going to be too expensive to make our class sizes smaller, he passed that bill before moving '}},
{ timecode: 944, handler: 'blob', id: 69, data: {text: 'on to Congress. And we are actually feeling the benefits of that in Florida today. And because of that, we have a better educational system. So I’d like to, first of all, thank you for joining '}},
{ timecode: 956, handler: 'blob', id: 70, data: {text: 'us, and I’d like to introduce now Congressman Kendrick Meek. Thank you. REPRESENTATIVE BALLARD: Thank you to Representative Gibbons and certainly to Congressman Kendrick Meek. I would like to '}},
{ timecode: 971, handler: 'blob', id: 71, data: {text: 'just take this opportunity, since he mentioned our con – our conference in Washington DC, and before we finish our lunch and take our group photo, I just want to remind you, that conference is '}},
{ timecode: 984, handler: 'blob', id: 72, data: {text: 'the 10th through the 14th, for those of you who do not know. It’s in Washington DC, and what a wonderful time to be in Washington DC in December. Whether it’s the holiday decorations or '}},
{ timecode: 998, handler: 'blob', id: 73, data: {text: 'the election results. So I just hope that – I was very careful, wasn’t I, I was, but I couldn’t pass that opportunity up, because I think it would be a perfect time for us to be '}},
{ timecode: 1014, handler: 'blob', id: 74, data: {text: 'there. What we would like to ask is that you bring a friend with you so that they can enjoy the hospitality of Washington DC, and certainly the hospitality and the education process of the National '}},
{ timecode: 1028, handler: 'blob', id: 75, data: {text: 'Black Caucus of State Legislators. So, I will hit you a little bit more on that, but he just gave me the perfect segway into it, because I’m very excited about our conference and certainly about '}},
{ timecode: 1038, handler: 'blob', id: 76, data: {text: 'being in Washington DC in December. In a few minutes, we’ll go take our group photo. CONGRESSMAN KENDRICK MEEK: I’m sorry I can’t be there today with you in Miami. I hope that '}},
{ timecode: 1049, handler: 'blob', id: 77, data: {text: 'you’re enjoying the South Florida weather. I’m still here in Washington DC, and many of my colleagues are joining me here, unfortunately, in this extended session of the Congress. '}},
{ timecode: 1059, handler: 'blob', id: 78, data: {text: 'Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and Congressman Andre Carson by now may be back in their districts, because we just voted on a 700 billion dollar rescue plan. I look forward to seeing many of '}},
{ timecode: 1072, handler: 'blob', id: 79, data: {text: 'you in December, when you travel here to Washington DC for your annual conference, and I know so many of my friends and colleagues are in the audience today. But I just want to say hello to my good '}},
{ timecode: 1084, handler: 'blob', id: 80, data: {text: 'friend and state representative in my district, Joe Gibbons. Joe has already established himself in the State Legislature as a superstar and chair – and he also chairs the Florida Conference of '}},
{ timecode: 1096, handler: 'blob', id: 81, data: {text: 'Black State Legislators, and I commend President Smyre also for his leadership he has provided to the National Conference of Black State Legislators over the years, and I’m glad that he is at '}},
{ timecode: 1110, handler: 'blob', id: 82, data: {text: 'the helm of that great – the great organization. We look forward, here in Congress, especially those of us that are in a Congressional Black Caucus, to working with the National Conference of '}},
{ timecode: 1122, handler: 'blob', id: 83, data: {text: 'Black State Legislators, and as we talk about issues of mental health, mental health parity is something that’s so very, very important, um, to, um, to, to not only Americans, but also to health '}},
{ timecode: 1136, handler: 'blob', id: 84, data: {text: 'care providers. As you know, the Senate, within the 700 billion dollar package, um, put forth language for mental health parity, that’s going to bring about the kind of paradigm shift that many '}},
{ timecode: 1148, handler: 'blob', id: 85, data: {text: 'of us have talked about and have worked on over the years. As we move for, um, forward, in dealing with mental health issues, um, we’re going to have to look at our men and women that are '}},
{ timecode: 1162, handler: 'blob', id: 86, data: {text: 'returning back from the service, uh, we’re going to have to continue to support the V.A. programs that are in place already, that are providing so much assistance to those that are coming back '}},
{ timecode: 1174, handler: 'blob', id: 87, data: {text: 'with issues between the ears versus, um, issues that many may see that are visible, um, a limp or a limb, um, that is missing. This mental health debate that is going on in the country right now is so '}},
{ timecode: 1189, handler: 'blob', id: 88, data: {text: 'very, very important. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I think that it’s important in Congress that we continue to focus on these issues of mental health, and also make sure that we '}},
{ timecode: 1202, handler: 'blob', id: 89, data: {text: 'communicate with those of you that are state legislators. Again, I’m sorry I could not be there, but I look forward to, um, hearing, um, what took place at the conference, and I’m glad '}},
{ timecode: 1212, handler: 'blob', id: 90, data: {text: 'that you all are linked from city to city, and I also look forward to seeing many of you in December. I hope you have a great conference and I look forward to seeing you in the future.'}}
);