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See how you can help with MAMH's most urgent priorities!
Contact your State Representative and ask them to support the DMH Rental Subsidy Program in the FY21 budget!
TAKE ACTIONThe deadline to register to vote for the state primary election is August 12 and for the general presidential election is October 14.
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All Massachusetts voters in Massachusetts can elect to vote by mail in 2020. If you did not already receive a form in the mail, fill out the form below and mail it to your local election office. Allow ample time for the postal service to deliver your ballot!
To read MAMH's legislative priorities, refer to our MAMH's 2020 Legislative Agenda.
For more information on how the budget process works, check out our Massachusetts State Budget Process Summary.
| Line item | Description | Budget priority |
|---|---|---|
Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program |
DMH Rental Subsidy Program provides DMH clients with clinical, social, and tenancy support services through community providers. |
We are requesting a $3 million increase over the Governor's proposal (funding DHCD line item 7004-9033 at $10.548 million for FY21). This increase will reverse the $2 million shortfall, which will preserve housing for 160 individuals, plus provide an additional $1 million to house an additional 80 individuals. |
Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) |
EMHOTs support older adults who are experiencing acute mental health crisis. |
We are requesting $1 million for the EMHOT programs, a $200,000 increase from last year. This increase will provide greater support to older adults in the isolation from the pandemic and divert excess funding from unnecessary nursing home admission. |
| Legislation | Description | More information |
|---|---|---|
H.910 & S.588, An Act Relative to Mental Health Parity Implementation |
Insurance coverage for behavioral health conditions must be the same as coverage for physical health conditions. |
|
H.909 & S.590, An Act to Require Health Care Coverage for the Emergency Psychiatric Services |
Access to emergency psychiatric services should not be dependent upon one’s health insurance carrier. |
|
(NOW LAW) H.913 & S.610, An Act Increasing Consumer Transparency about Insurance Provider Networks |
Health insurers' provider directories are often inaccurate and out-of-date, complicating the already difficult process of accessing behavioral health care |
|
H.482 & S.244, An Act Relative to Mental Health Education |
Addressing the behavioral health needs of students is one of the greatest challenges within schools. |
Testimony in support |
H.401 & S.264, An Act Supporting Healthy Development Among Preschoolers |
A young child who is suspended or expelled is 10 times more likely to drop out of school, experience academic failure, and face incarceration. |
|
H.172 & S.64, An Act Relative to Supported Decision-Making Agreements for Certain Adults with Disabilities |
Supported decision-making allows individuals to make their own decisions with assistance from people they trust and is critical to helping people retain their legal rights and dignity. |
Adult Guardianship & Conservatorship, Rogers Orders and Their Alternatives |
MAMH President and CEO Danna Mauch speaks in a press conference announcing the Senate's passage of the “Mental Health ABC Act” on February 13, 2020.
Students Angela Wallace and Lucas Johnson testifying in support of school mental health education on July 9, 2019.