Morgan Plant, PCPA lobbyist, called today with great news. House Bill 1813, the long-term funding legislation – inflationary index for mental health/mental retardation (MH/MR), will be in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. The Senate Appropriations Committee will be amending the bill in order to insert budget process language. Although this is definitely a positive step in the right direction, PRESSURE MUST CONTINUE.
PCPA and its members need to keep working as there are at least three steps in the legislative process that remain before final enactment. Ms. Plant will keep the association posted on Monday regarding the committee meeting; it's off the floor, therefore PCPA does not know what time the meeting will be held. It is expected that most, if not all, of the committee members will vote in support of the bill.
As members know, the Targeted Bill Action event is Tuesday, September 26 and the timing could not be better. All members are encouraged to come to Harrisburg and advocate for this critical piece of legislation.
The dedicated alcohol tax initiative for drug and alcohol (House Bill 1649 and Senate Bill 727) is still very much in play, but will need all the lobbying effort members can muster.
Contact Melissa DiSanto Simmons, director of legislative affairs, with further questions.
