The Association for Behavioral Healthcare is pleased that the Legislature level-funded some of the most critical behavioral health services provided by the Commonwealth in the FY 2011 budget. In particular, the budget largely protects from cuts essential community-based mental health and substance use disorder treatment services.
The budget plan reflects a fiscally responsible approach to the unique circumstances surrounding the stalemate in Washington over the so-called FMAP reimbursement funds, which could result in an unanticipated $650 million state budget cut. Legislative leaders established a contingency fund that would allocate FMAP funds if and when they become available.
The Legislature also established a separate Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Fund, which will collect all proceeds from the alcohol sales tax and dedicate the funds for addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs that benefit more than 100,000 people in Massachusetts. This marks a significant step forward that will establish a reliable funding source for important public health services.
ABH urges Governor Patrick to sign the budget passed by the Legislature and create the Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Fund.
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