The focus of PCPA’s district education month is on the individual provider and how individual organization issues correlate to those faced in the state budget. PCPA acknowledges that nearly a quarter of the state legislature is “new.” While a number of PCPA members visited candidates seeking legislative office during 2006, this may be the first time that contact is made with the legislator or it will likely be the first time that members are visiting the legislator since s/he took office. This Legislative Info is geared at meeting with freshman legislators.
Helpful Items to Include in the District Visit
- A prepared folder containing information specific to your organization (include program descriptions, organization highlights, list of board members, business cards). Are you aware of a service area or program that is of particular interest to the legislator?
- Your organization’s most recent annual report.
- A document addressing business areas for your organization. Reference the separate Legislative Info – Helping Members Highlight Organization Business to Legislators for suggestions of information to include.
- Whether your organization provides mental health/mental retardation (MH/MR) and/or drug and alcohol (D&A) services.
- How many consumers/clients your organization serves annually.
- How many individuals your organization employs.
- Mention of local/regional issues that affect your organization or county.
- Your calendar – come prepared to establish a date for a site visit to your organization by the legislator and/or the legislative staff by this spring.
History of MH/MR/D&A Funding Inequities
- Historically, the MH/MR/D&A system has been severely underfunded.
- While services provided in the community are often more cost effective and offer a preferred environment for the individual in treatment, services do need to be properly funded.
- During the previous legislative session, PCPA forwarded House Bill 1813 (establishing an inflationary index for MH/MR) as well as House Bill 1649/Senate Bill 727 (dedicating monies from the current Johnstown Flood Tax to D&A treatment). While the legislature overwhelmingly passed House Bill 1813 it was vetoed by the governor. The dedicated alcohol tax legislation will be re-introduced this session.
- While PCPA plans work on various legislation this session, it will continue to seek equity in community health funding. Community MH/MR/D&A should be treated fairly as a vital component of the community health system – just as hospitals, nursing homes, and managed care organizations have been treated.
Reminder
to Contact PCPA
Please register your appointment, whenever it is scheduled, with PCPA by contacting
Melissa DiSanto Simmons, director of legislative affairs (melissa@paproviders.org
or 717-364-3280). This enables the association to track all efforts being
undertaken by members.
