MHANYS' 2009 Legislative Agenda

Summary of Legislative Initiatives

Proposed Budget-Related Items:

• Restoration to SSI Cuts
• Restoration to the Proposed One Percent Cut to Mental Health COLA for this year and future years
• Restoration of the full COLA for Mental Health
• Maintain current timetable for implementing the SHU Bill
• Restore funding for anti-depressant carve out and insure full access for all mental health medications
• Enhance funding for Suicide Prevention and Geriatric Mental Health
• Continue Capital Construction for Housing Beds and advocating for one quarter of new beds be dedicated to adult home residents
• Advocate for utilizing existing funding streams for Youth in Transition

Legislative Actions:

• Permanent Extension of Timothy’s Law
• Include PTSD coverage in Timothy’s Law
• Elimination of Discriminatory DSS Law regarding Parental Rights to Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities
• Amend Sex Offender Legislation to Insure that Offenders are no longer housed in Psychiatric Facilities
• Housing Wait List Bill/Housing for Adult Home Residents
• Tax Check Off Bill for Greater Public Awareness of Mental Health Issues
• Mandatory Suicide Education Training Bill
• The Behavioral Health and Long-Term Care Act of 2009

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