Budget Cuts Proposed by Governor Corbett: No News is Not Good News
Budget Cuts Proposed by Governor Corbett: No News is Not Good News
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Friends -
In the case of the budget cuts proposed by Governor Corbett, no news is not good news. Despite an overwhelming public outcry and strong opposition from the public, mental health advocates, media, and legislators, Governor Corbett and his administration remain committed to enacting their drastic and devastating cuts to the community behavioral health system – the most significant since the system’s inception more than 50 years ago.
We need to continue making our opposition heard with legislators so that the budget introduced by the Governor is not passed. Below are some ways you can take immediate action –
Stay Informed
In addition to sending critical advocacy alerts, MHAPA posts daily updates and calls to action on our Facebook page and website. Please follow us on Facebook to stay informed of budget–related events and activities across the state.Contact Your Legislators
Contact your state representative and senator and let them know you oppose the Governor’s proposed cuts to the community behavioral health system.The message is simple: STOP the 20% cuts. STOP the Block Grant. STOP cuts to General Assistance.
Find your legislators here. Contact them by --
Sending A Postcard
Use a pre-printed postcard to share these simple messages with your PA House Representative and Senator and the Chairs of the Pennsylvania House and Senate Appropriations Committees. To order free postcards, contact Sue Walther, MHAPA’s Executive Director, at 717-346-0549, extension 1, or [email protected]. Please be sure to provide your mailing address and the number of postcards you would like. See the postcard here.
Writing a letter
Read sample letters written and sent by advocates at Community Advocates of Montgomery County. Use these samples as a guide to help you tell your own story. Click here for talking points. Click here for the sample letters from Community Advocates.
Making a Phone Call
After sending your letter and/or postcard, call your legislators’ offices. Ask if they received your letter and what their positions are on the mental health cuts. Let MHAPA know what you learned by contacting Sue Walther at 717-346-0549, extension 1, or [email protected]. Tell us who you spoke to and what their positions are. Click here to see a full summary of actions taken by one group of Community Advocates. If you have a summary that you want to share, email it to Sue Walther.
Attend an Event
Advocacy organizations across the state are hosting events to bring together people against the cuts. Please gather your friends and family and attend at least one of these events. Two upcoming events are:Monday, May 7: Save PA's Bridge to Stability & Self-Sufficiency Rally and Lobby Day in Harrisburg with PA Cares for All.
Thursday, June 5: Capitol Day with The Pennsylvania Community Providers Association, The Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, The Mental Health Association of Westmoreland County, and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.
MHAPA updates its Facebook followers of budget-related events across the area. Like us on Facebook and learn about these events—we also post them to the Budget page of our website.
Tell the Media
Send a copy of your legislator letter to your local newspaper—it makes an impact. Kathie Mitchell, Director of Community Advocates of Montgomery County, sent a letter to The Mercury in Pottstown. The paper published it and Community Advocates received three phone calls as a result of the published letter.Let Us Know What You’ve Done
Let us know what action you’ve taken so we help to ensure that your voice is being heard. Contact Sue Walther at 717-346-0549, extension 1, or [email protected]. Click here to see a full summary of actions taken by Community Advocates. If you have a similar summary to share, email it to Sue Walther.Thank you,
Sue Walther
Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA
717-346-0549, Extension 1
www.mhapa.org