Governor Patrick released his Fiscal Year 2011 budget recommendations today. For those of us interested in community-based behavioral healthcare it appears that the Governor’s budget recommendations contained some fairly good news. Existing community-based services for individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders seem to have escaped cuts in the Governor’s budget. This also applies to essential services funded by MassHealth.
Unfortunately, other human service programs were not quite as fortunate. We share the concern of many in our industry about the impact of proposed cuts in services for other vulnerable populations.
We all need to be prepared for a long, tough budget fight as the Legislature reviews and acts on the Governor’s recommendations. In a tough election year, legislators will be under a lot of pressure to limit state spending. Advocates, providers, consumers and family members need to be prepared to remind local legislators about the importance of programs that serve individuals with behavioral health needs. ABH looks forward to working with our members and coalition partners to protect existing funding for DMH, DPH/BSAS, and MassHealth.
On the Issues, People & Organizations in Behavioral Health in the Commonwealth
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Happy New Year?
As the new year gets under way, we're looking ahead at some exciting challenges. Later this month, the Governor will unveil his Fiscal Year 2011 budget plan. Once again, the state budget will be tight. Although revenue trends began to improve at the end of 2009, mental health and substance use disorder programs are facing significant reductions in funding for the new fiscal year that starts on July 1.
Also, we have the very real prospect of a ballot campaign, organized by the state's package store owners, to repeal the sales tax on alcohol sold in retail stores. ABH will be on the front lines of that battle.
It took decades to get the sales tax exemption for package stores repealed, and we're not going backward now! The Legislature must act on the alcohol tax repeal measure by May 4. If they do not vote, or vote it down, then proponents can gather another 10,099 signatures to secure a spot on the ballot November 2.
All in all, it appears 2010 will be busy year. We welcome and appreciate your help!
Also, we have the very real prospect of a ballot campaign, organized by the state's package store owners, to repeal the sales tax on alcohol sold in retail stores. ABH will be on the front lines of that battle.
It took decades to get the sales tax exemption for package stores repealed, and we're not going backward now! The Legislature must act on the alcohol tax repeal measure by May 4. If they do not vote, or vote it down, then proponents can gather another 10,099 signatures to secure a spot on the ballot November 2.
All in all, it appears 2010 will be busy year. We welcome and appreciate your help!
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