Late October
27, PCPA received formal word that Governor Edward G. Rendell vetoed House
Bill 1813 (inflationary index for mental health/mental retardation [MH/MR]).
Needless to say, this is a major disappointment for the MH/MR field. Following
a tremendous amount of advocacy and legislative effort, House Bill 1813 passed
the House unanimously (twice) and passed the Senate on October 16. House Bill
1813 was then presented to the governor on October 18 for his signature.
On October 27 Governor Rendell signed the veto of House Bill 1813. While the
bill will return to the legislature for a possible veto override (which requires
a two-thirds vote from the House and Senate each), it is unlikely that the
legislative calendar will allow enough time for House Bill 1813 to become
law.
PCPA, along with other statewide stakeholders, will advance inflationary index
legislation again in the 2007/08 legislative session. While the bill was rejected
by the governor, there were many who should be recognized for their strong
support and commitment to this bill including:
- Rep. George T. Kenney, Jr. (Chair, House Health and Human Services Committee) – prime sponsor of House Bill 1813,
- Sen. Ted Erickson – prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1006 (companion legislation to House Bill 1813),
- Sen. Jake Corman (Chair, Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee) – for his leadership on this issue in the Senate, and
- The members of the MH/MR Coalition.
Most importantly, PCPA members are to be commended for their dedication and commitment which was evident every step of the way in advancing this legislation. Countless members attended lobby days, sent letters and emails, made phone calls, and visited legislators in their home districts in support of the much needed funding increase for MH/MR programs. This work was not in vain. It will serve as the foundation as the legislation is advanced in the 2007/08 session.
