Join the Virtual Rally for a COLA for MH/MR Services
Join the Virtual Rally for a COLA for MH/MR Services
Join the MH/MR Coalition as We Call, Write and Visit Governor Rendell and Our Legislators
Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27
MH/MR Services Need a COLA!
The Emergency Waiting List and Autism Services Must be Funded!
The good news is that SB 1373, the Senate version of the MH/MR Maintenance of Community Services Act has passed the Senate (43-7) and is now in the House Health and Human Services Committee awaiting consideration. HB 2241, the companion COLA in the House, has already been reviewed by the House Health and Human Services Committee and is now in the House Appropriations Committee for consideration.
The bad news is that both COLA bills are now resting in House Committees, where it's possible they might stay unless there is a strong and unified call to move these bills forward for the entire House to vote on them. We are asking you to help us "free the COLA bills for a vote on the floor of the House."
The good news is that the draft budget bill presented in the House for amendments this week appears to include the Governor's proposed funding for the emergency waiting list and funding for autism services.
The bad news is that there is not sufficient funding to address the entire emergency waiting list and there is still NO COLA. We are asking you to raise your voice in support of funding for a 3% COLA, the MR Waiting List and Autism Services.
Show Governor Rendell and your legislator that --
- passing COLA legislation (HB 2241/SB 1373),
- A 3% COLA for MH/MR Services
- Funding for the MR Waiting List and
- Funding for Autism Services
are priorities to you and should be a priority for them by joining the 2008 MH/MR Coalition's Virtual Rally!
What is a Virtual Rally?
We are asking everyone to let Governor Rendell and your legislators know that supporting mental retardation and autism services supports Pennsylvania. Urge them to support a 3% COLA for community-based MR services and funding to address the waiting list and support autism services.
You can be a part of the Virtual Rally by --
1. Participating in the activities listed below and,
2. Sharing this actio