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OMHSAS Budget Summary and Breakout

Print Version

Pertinent background and talking points for NAMI PA Advocacy in 2008-2009:

Information from the OMHSAS Stakeholder briefing on March 7th, 2008, the DPW Budget Proposal on February 5th, 2008, and Governor’s Budget Briefing on December 9th, 2008. According to OMHSAS:

a. No one currently receiving services will lose eligibility
b. Children will not experience any reduction in services
c. PA will provide services for the growing number of individuals and families who require Medical Assistance
d. There are on-going meetings with government agencies and legislators in Harrisburg.
e. NAMI members and staff serve on several state-wide advisory committees to help advocate for NAMI issues.
f. It should be noted that the budgetary process is an evolving situation dependent upon revenues.

Children and persons with disabilities are largest and fasting growing MA
(Medical Assistance) populations

2008-09 General Fund Expenditures

The 2008-09 General Fund budget is $28.3 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion, or 4.2 percent, over 2007-08.

Spending on Education, Medical Assistance, other Department of Public Welfare programs, Corrections and Debt Service comprises 88percent of total General Fund expenditures.

2.     The State Budget and the Economic Downturn:

a.      Given the above statements, the continuing economic downturn has negatively impacted the state budget (as of December 4^th totaling $678 million, with a projected state budget deficit at eoy 2008 of $1.6 billion). This directly impacts OMHSAS and DPW.

b.      To meet the challenges of this budgetary deficit due to decreased tax revenue, in September, November and December the governor has initiated the Budget Balancing Measures below:

3.      Legislation of Interest to NAMI (as of December 8th, 2008). There were 107 Bills of interest to NAMI PA in the 2007-2008 Session.

a.      2007-2008 Legislative Session is finished as of November 30^th, 2008.

b.      All bills not passed are closed for consideration.

c.      When the Legislature re-convenes in January 2009, bills can be re-introduced for the 2009-2010 Legislative Session.

d.      It is important at this stage to let legislators (especially sponsors) know which pieces of legislation are of importance, in a prioritized manner, to NAMI PA.

e.      Active advocacy for specific bills, separate from their stand alone merits, will be tied to the budgetary process.

f.       This strategy should impact prioritization of the bills, and a framework for advocacy.

g.      In 2008 NAMI PA Posted calls for action on HB 1455 re. Study of Mental Illness in Inmates and HB80 Mental Health Courts.

h.      In 2008 NAMI PA testified to state legislature on:

                                      i.      Open Access to Psychotropic Medications to Members of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

                                    ii.      House Health and Human Services Committee’s Health Subcommittee

                                  iii.      House Bill 80 Mental Health Courts Testimony to House Judiciary Committee

4.      Transparency of Effort lends legitimacy, levels the playing field and provides a unified voice for advocacy.

5.      Coordination of Advocacy efforts within the organization is the most effective means of meeting our goals.

6.      Challenge: considerations as it pertains to addressing the mission needs of NAMI PA:

a.      No stakeholder exists in a vacuum- we all need to work together to accomplish our mutual goals.

b.      Legislation and policy implementation is a Moving Target that often requires on the spot, in the moment negotiations.

c.      Changing environment- as the economic downturn illustrates, extra-governmental, private sector events can have a powerful impact on the priorities and timeframe of meeting the NAMI mission.

d.      Some negotiations require discretion to be effective.

e.      Coalitions are dependent on finding common ground and interest.

f.       Coordination within the organization is an important aspect of mutual support- in community and statewide.

 

In sum, meeting the NAMI mission priorities is a complex and involved process. It involves coordination with a coalition of advocacy groups, NAMI PA board and affiliate leaders, state agencies, and state executives and legislators, to name some of the stakeholders invested in improving the mental health and substance abuse care, treatment and recovery system in Pennsylvania.  Each of these individuals and groups bring to the table perspectives and priorities that are wide ranging and sensitivity to that fact is important to effective advocacy.