Earlier this morning, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the 2004-05 state budget, which Governor Rendell later signed into law.A 2% cost-of-living-allowance (COLA) was included in the budget for all Department of Public Welfare (DPW) funded programs, including mental health/mental retardation/drug and alcohol (MH/MR/D&A). Please note that the 2% COLA for D&A will appear in the Department of Health budget.
This is the first time that funding has been added to a proposed budget for MH/MR/D&A. PCPA thanks the membership for its continued efforts – through educating legislators, participating in PCPA’s Harrisburg and Virtual Lobby Days, and writing letters and email – it is through these numerous and various efforts that legislators and the administration heard the message.
Look for more detailed budgetary information from PCPA as it becomes available following the holiday.