Attached is our end-of-session legislative summary—a very thorough look at all the bills related to mental hygiene that passed both houses, as well as a status update on others.
As we have noted several times in this update, priority areas of MHANYS in this year’s budget were added, including funding for Teen and Youth Mental Health First Aid, School Mental Health Resource and Training Center, funding for Daniel’s Law, restoration of Adult Home Advocacy Support and funding for a First Responder Behavioral Health Center of Excellence.
One of the real highlights of this session was the grassroots efforts of a small band of advocates spending every day at the Capitol, urging Legislators to participate in our Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) Photo advocacy. We had nearly 140 legislators sign on. For the first time in four years, the legislature and the Governor met the CPI of 2.7% for our workforce and community providers. We know a lot more is needed, and we will continue to make the case.
Unfortunately, given the fact that there were only seven days left of session to work on bills, the Behavioral Health Parity Bill, the First Responder Legislation, and the Teacher Training bill did not pass this year. That said, we have more sponsors than ever and feel very hopeful going into 2027.
I really want to thank all of you for your support this session. Our power comes from you, whether attending Mental Health Matters Day, meeting with legislators, phone calls, or any other communication. It is greatly appreciated.
I also want to acknowledge our incredible team, Public Policy Director Jamie Papapetros, Public Policy Director Emeritus, John Richter, and Counsel, John Tauriello, who worked so hard this session to support individuals with mental health issues, their loved ones, and the providers that serve them. This compilation is a reflection of their great work. I also want to thank Karin Spencer of Spencer Strategic Solutions for all her tireless efforts on our behalf.
Advocacy never sleeps, so we will be busy this summer and fall working with the Executive and Legislature on our 2027 agenda.
Full Report also here.
