Ted Kennedy's son reaching out to Illinois lawmakers

Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-Rhode Island, the son of the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, today is sending out a letter to every member of the General Assembly asking lawmakers to oppose a proposal to allow psychologists — rather than psychiatrists — to prescribe medication.

Kennedy’s letter, obtained by E&O, references his own “struggles with mental illness and addiction.”

“I know how serious these afflictions can be and how important it is that they be treated appropriately,” the former eight-term Democrat wrote. “It is out of deep concern for patients and their families that I urge you to oppose Senate Bill 2187.”

Illinois Letter