BOSTON – February 7, 2005 -- State Representative Ruth B. Balser (D-Newton) announced today that she has been appointed to the position of House Chair for the newly created Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Last week the Legislature approved the first major reorganization of its committee structure in 38 years. As part of the reorganization, a new committee dedicated to mental health and substance abuse was created.

"I was delighted that a committee dedicated to mental health and substance abuse was created. Too often those who suffer from these disorders do not receive the care they need because of the lack of public awareness. By creating a legislative committee whose sole focus is the area of mental health care and substance abuse, we ensure that they will receive the attention they deserve," stated Representative Balser.

She added, "I was of course extremely gratified to be selected to lead this new committee, as mental health public policy has been a top priority for me since I have been in the legislature."

Representative Balser had served on the Ad Hoc Rules Reform Committee that Speaker DiMasi established this past fall that was charged with reviewing the House Rules. The Ad Hoc committee had proposed re-organizing the committees. According to the report of the Ad Hoc committee, the task of the new Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee is to heighten awareness about this area of health care. The establishment of this committee reflects greater public concern about these health related issues and recognizes that mental health is just as important as physical health. The General Court now provides a mechanism to review these issues.

The reorganization plan reduces the overall number of joint and standing committees from 39 to 37 through the elimination of outdated committees and the consolidation of others with overlapping jurisdictions. Newly-created committees acknowledge the modern complexities of the state’s economy, health care system and educational services. These committees will provide enhanced focus in the following areas: health care financing, mental health and substance abuse, public health, pre-K-12 education, and higher education, economic development and emerging technologies, community development and small businesses, tourism, arts and cultural development, labor and workforce development.