Budget cuts and increasing needs have decimated mental health services, preventing children and adults from getting the help they need. Proposition 63 — the Mental Health Services Act — would expand comprehensive mental health care — including mental health treatment, general medical care, housing, job training and prescription drugs — to thousands of children, adults and seniors.
The services would be funded by a 1 percent tax on those with taxable income over $1 million. The tax would be deductible on federal taxes. CTA is recommending that members work for the passage of Prop. 63 because "it would help children succeed in school and in life," says CTA Vice President David A. Sanchez. Research shows that children are better prepared to learn when they come to school healthy, both mentally and physically. Without proper care, many withdraw from contact with friends, family and teachers, and eventually drop out of school.
The hope is that Prop. 63 will make California safer. It's estimated that 20 percent of a police officer's time is spent dealing with mentally ill people. Prisons and jails are full of mentally ill people who did not receive treatment. Providing care before a person ends up on the street or behind bars means the police can focus on real criminals rather than people who need medical attention.
The initiative would establish new preventative and early-intervention mental health programs for children and adults. An oversight panel would supervise expenditures to ensure accountability, guaranteeing funding only for proven, effective mental health programs.
Mental illness does not have to be disabling. It goes untreated because people lack access to care. With proper care, people can return to productive lives and regain their dignity.
For information, visit the campaign website [www.yeson63.org/].