June 14, 2005

BUDGET ADVOCACY NEEDED

NAMI NEW JERSEY Advocates are needed to speak up for increased mental health spending. The New Jersey Legislature is entering the final phase of negotiations over the 2006 state budget that goes into effect on July 1. There is enormous competition among the special interest to get a share of the funds that needed to enhance our overwhelmed mental health system of care. It is imperative that we make our voices heard. Advocates are needed to contact their state legislators and urge them to fully fund the following. You can find your legislator at the NJ Legislature’s website www.njleg.state.nj.us or 800-792-8630.

TALKING POINTS:

Support $40 million in funding as recommended by the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health.

Support the establish a $200 million Special Needs Housing Trust Fund, which, over the next 10 years, will help create 10,000 new affordable housing opportunities for people with mental illness.

Support an indexed 3.3% cost of providing care increase for community providers to retain and recruit qualified staff.

Support a “wraparound” for dual eligibles who will lose their Medicaid drug benefit in January. It will cost $20 million to ensure that dual eligibles have access to their needed medications.

Do not support plans to impose a $1 co-pay for medications and a $3 co-pay for clinic visits under Medicaid. This only discourages people from receiving needed treatment.

Contact your legislators as soon as possible. Ask a friend or family member do the same.