This past Wednesday, the joint budget committee of the Senate and Assembly held their mental hygiene hearing. It is an opportunity to hear from the Commissioners and the advocates about the budget.
Practically every legislator spoke out in support of the 7.8% rate increase for mental hygiene. They recognized the impact to our workforce and while understanding that the Governor has done more than any other Governor combined to support the yearly investment, it still falls short of the ability to retain and recruit a quality workforce. The proposed 2.1% investment means an additional $12 dollars a week for someone that makes $30,000 a year. Hardly a great retention tool.
When the rubber meets the road, during budget negotiations, I hope that the passion we heard from lawmakers continues in the fight for 7.8.
We also had the opportunity to speak out on Kendra’s Law and Involuntary Emergency Admissions, referring to our ten point plan (which is attached at the end of the document). It also afforded us the chance to talk about Teen Mental Health First Aid, Behavioral Health Parity and the K-12 legislation that would provide mental health training for teachers.
Our testimony is listed below. Under separate cover, we will include several of the media articles about the hearing.
