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Friday, February 17th, 2012

Senate Democrats Oppose Harsh Cuts to Mental Health

Democrats in the Alabama Senate are staunchly opposed to cuts in funding to the Department of Mental Health as proposed by Governor Bentley.  Eliminating services to mental health patients, especially seniors and children, is not a plan that Democrats will support because of their focus on providing all Alabamians with the treatment they need and deserve.

“Democrats have worked for many years to establish and develop quality programs for Alabama’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford (D-Russellville).  “These proposed budget cuts place essential services on the chopping block within just two years of the Republican supermajority being in power.”

If the Department of Mental Health’s budget is cut by 25%, the state and local communities will face dire repercussions.  State run institutions may be closed which would result in the loss of 948 jobs state-wide and require the shifting of 473 patients or community-based programs may be eliminated that serve over 100,000 citizens.

“The administration claims to be pushing for job creation, but reductions in funding to the Department of Mental Health will eliminate jobs,” said Senator Quinton Ross (D-Montgomery).  “Without generating new revenue, these across the board cuts will only lead to mass lay-offs and unemployment.”

Senator Billy Beasley (D-Clayton) also reiterated that slashing funds to the Department of Mental Health is not a feasible solution to solving budgetary issues and simply passes the cost along to other agencies. 

“If any of these mental health programs are eliminated, then many individuals will be put out on streets without any support,” said Beasley.  “The cost will then be shifted to our cash-strapped local communities and law enforcement to address issues of mental health.”

All in all, Democrats are unhappy with attempts to balance the state’s budget on the backs of seniors, children, and the mentally ill. 

“Tough times call for tough decisions,” added Bedford, “but Democrats work very hard to improve the physical and mental health for seniors and children.  These cuts are in direct opposition to promoting good mental health and we will do all in our power to not allow the Republican supermajority to make these cuts.”