PCPA’s 2008/09 state budget position is now available. Members should include key points from this position in discussions with legislators, staffers, and administration officials. The association extends special thanks to the Legislative Affairs Committee for its hard work and recommendations for the development of the 2008/09 budget position.
Budget Position Highlights
- Support the addition of a three percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to apply to mental health, mental retardation, and drug and alcohol services provided through the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and the Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Program (BDAP). Adequate funding of the community care system is necessary to prevent the erosion of the capacity and quality of these services over time ($52 million for a three percent COLA for mental health services, BHSI, Act 152 and BDAP allocations).
- Support the governor’s proposed funding for the Community Hospital Integration Projects Program (CHIPP) to support the closure of Mayview State Hospital through community services for 75 individuals leaving Mayview and an additional 91 persons from other state hospitals. However, without a COLA, over time community services are likely to erode.
- Support the governor’s proposed funding for the provision of services to 400 additional adults living with autism ($7.6 million).
- Support the governor’s proposed funding to serve 1,818 individuals with mental retardation on the waiting list for mental retardation services ($28 million).
Visit
Legislators NOW
It’s time to make district visits to legislators. PCPA urges members
to share the budget position with their legislators and to ask for support
for a COLA and the COLA legislation (HB 2160 and HB 2241) and the Drug &
Alcohol Funding Legislation (SB 870 and HB 1032). Further information to help
in your visits is being prepared, including talking points and a sample question
and answer sheet. As visits are made, please communicate with PCPA and let
us know how they went.
Participate
in PCPA’s Capitol Day June 10
Members and friends are urged to attend the annual PCPA Capitol Day on June
19 at the Harrisburg State Capitol. A major element of PCPA’s agenda
for Capitol Day is gaining legislative support for the budget position. Come
join colleagues, consumers, persons in recovery, and supporters of the behavioral
health and mental retardation system on June 10 to promote adequate funding
in the 2008/09 budget.
Contact Anne McHugh Leisure, director of legislative affairs, at the association if you have further questions or concerns.
