Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(Publication Archives)

Community Connections, Fall 2002

Budget Update

The New York State Legislature has passed the bills that become the budget. Nearly a billion new dollars had to be found to close the budget deal at almost $90 billion. Various dedicated funds were raided, like those for environmental cleanup and abandoned property, new taxes and fees were initiated, and an early retirement incentive was created.

Closer to home, the mental health budget includes a 3% COLA and a 10% Medicaid fee hike. Both are effective December 1, 2002. Thanks and congratulations to all of our membership and colleagues who worked so hard to get this accomplished!

The extension of Reinvestment was not included in the budget, but passed as “The Community Mental Health Support and Workforce Reinvestment Program.” The legislation will use savings from downsizing state psychiatric hospitals for workforce and infrastructure improvements. It awaits Governor Pataki’s signature.

posted 9/13/02