Funding Cuts Cut Right to the Bone
Spare a few moments to fight
Daniel S. Frey, Editor in Chief
The New York State Office of Mental Health lost $7.7 million and has been forced to cut its spending on mental health services that are not receiving or scheduled to receive reimbursements from Medicaid. Such services were deemed "not essential" by the standards of our government leaders. In New York City, 21 agencies received drastic cuts to their budgets totaling around $3 million. The Urban Justice Center, Rainbow Heights Club, Transitional Services, Hospital Audiences and MFY Legal Services are among those agencies that have been notified of budget cuts. Additional budget cuts are being proposed by the governor for the next budget.
Various organizations are working to stop the additional budget cuts and push to gain new funding to keep existing services alive. The New York Association for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (518-436-0008) and the New York City Clubhouse Coalition (212-582-0340 ext 304) will be developing such campaigns.
However, the State Legislature and Gov. George Pataki discovered more than $1.3 billion in extra cash for New York. Pataki hopes to save much of it to build reserves after multibillion-dollar deficits and to reduce taxes while legislators want to spend more to improve New York City schools, for health care, transportation and to end a sales tax on most clothing, among other issues.
Among the legislature's resolutions is to grant a few million dollars for previously cut mental health services, which is a nice beginning. But we need much more than that. The time to advocate for funding is now.
I urge you to call Governor Pataki and tell the aide who answers the phone: Listen to the legislators and restore $4.3 million to mental health services that are not eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. These services "are essential" to the people I love dearly. Explain how advocacy, legal, self-help and social services have helped you, your friend or your loved one. Keep in mind that in doing so you are exercising your power as a citizen. This one act should help you to realize that you have a voice worth listening to.
To find your Senator—(518) 455-2558
To find your Assemblymember—(518) 455-4100
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno—(518) 455-3191
Assembly Majority Leader Sheldon Silver—(518) 455-3791
Governor Pataki—(518) 474-8390
Please call or write City Voices and tell us about your experience after calling the governor regarding the issues presented in this article. We will include your experience in a future edition. Our number is (212) 491-1367 and email editors@newyorkcityvoices.org. You go citizen!