Public Education & Policy :: Archive

CNMHC News Alert, May 2003

PROPOSAL TO CUT ALL STATE FUNDS FOR THE CALIFORNIA NETWORK OF MENTAL HEALTH CLIENTS

GOVERNOR PROPOSES CUTS TO CONSUMER AND FAMILY MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS; TRAINING FOR LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH STAFF AND OTHER GRASSROOTS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

On May 14, the Governor released his May Revision of Budget Recommendations. In it he cuts 2 million dollars from General Fund support to the Department of Mental Health for Community Services Activities. These include: the California Network of Mental Health Clients, National Alliance of the Mentally Ill - California, United Advocates for Children in California, the California Association of Local Mental Health Boards/Commissions, the California Institute for Mental Health and more.

The proposed cut represents almost all of the California Network of Mental Health Client's funds.

In this last week, the Governor's recommendations were heard by the Assembly Budget Sub Committee and the Senate Budget Sub Committee. Both Committees restored the funds and rejected the Governor's recommendations.

The next hurdle in restoring our funding is the Governor. The Governor has a line item veto power. Also, there will be ongoing negotiations with the legislature. Last year, this Governor cut the entire historical funding base for the Village and programs like it, which are renowned, studied and replicated worldwide (and probably of the best - with the exception of self-help programs - that the system has to offer.)

Action is needed. Write, fax, or call the Governor.

The Honorable Gray Davis
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-445-4633
Phone: 916-445-2841

It is better to refer to the funds as part of the Community Services Activities funded by the Department of Mental Health. The amount is 2 million dollars in General Fund "for various community services activities, including funding for Sacramento County, rehabilitation services, and grants to community organizations." (language from May Revision Summary)

Contact the CNMHC office for more and up-to-date information.