Counties To Propose How To Allocate Proposition 63 Funds
Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties have received a combined $600,000 to research mental health care deficiencies in the counties and develop plans to allocate funds from Proposition 63, which voters approved in November 2004, the Modesto Bee reports.
Proposition 63 raises the state's personal income tax by 1% on annual incomes that exceed $1 million to fund mental health services. State mental health experts say the measure could generate as much as $750 million annually beginning next fiscal year for mental health programs in the state.
Stanislaus County received $204,000 to conduct meetings to better understand the needs of county residents, according to Dan Souza, Stanislaus Behavioral Health and Recovery Services director. Over two weeks in March and April the county held meetings to gauge feedback about spending proposals. The county last week also held meetings with not-for-profit agencies that specialize in mental health care.
When research is complete, the county will present a spending plan to the public. Following comment, the plan will be presented to the county Board of Supervisors. If approved, the plan must receive final approval from the state Department of Mental Health (Hood, Modesto Bee, 4/28).
Sacramento County could receive about $21 million in Proposition 63 funds, and county officials say "compelling needs identified by the county could generate more," the Sacramento Bee reports.
Sacramento County received $384,385 to research spending proposals for the funding. County officials on Monday will hold a meeting at the county Board of Supervisors' chambers.
Sacramento County spends currently $175 million annually on mental health services (Enkoji, Sacramento Bee, 5/1).