California Community Services Funding Restored

Community Services Funding Restored

To All:

It looks like the Budget passed by the legislature restores funds to the Community Services supported by the Department of Mental Health. This includes the California Network of Mental Health Client's funds. Thank you all for writing letters. It is now in the Governor's hands and possible blue pencil.

Below is a preliminary budget analysis from the staff of the Mental Health Association of California.

Mental Health Programs:

Some Good News

- The Community Service Cut to the State Department of Mental Health which would create large cuts to many volunteer and advocacy organizations such as NAMI-CA, The Client Network, The California Institute for Mental Health, The Local Mental Health Boards and Commissions, The California Mental Health Directors, United Advocates for Children of California, and others has been protected. The Governor could use his blue pencil but word is that he not only will not use his blue pencil, but also has been receiving calls from policymakers (some of our great MH Champions) noting that they will not be happy if he does so. Good work with your advocacy

- SSI/SSP Reduction: The COLA for our current year, 2003 has been approved and this was enacted on July 1st 2003. Unfortunately, the State COLA due in January 2004 was suspended and thus there will not be a $14 monthly increase in January 2004. This is difficult news but the reality is that this cut could have been far worse if it had not been an advocacy priority for the community. Considering how unhappy Democratic leadership was about having to accept this, the Governor would not dare blue pencil any additional reductions - particularly due to the recall.

California budget compromise details.

Last Updated on 04/08/04 webmaster@namiscc.org

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