Proposition 63 Yields $750M for Mental Health Services
The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission on Thursday began working to determine how to allocate an additional $750 million in annual funds that resulted from the passage of Proposition 63, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Proposition 63, which voters approved in November 2004, increases the state personal income tax by 1% for residents whose annual incomes exceed $1 million to fund mental health services. The additional funds will pay for other mental health services, including treatment, prevention and job training.
In addition, the administration of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) included in the fiscal year 2006-2007 budget an initiative to use $53 million in housing funds combined with Proposition 63 funds to make loans to developers who build accommodations for the homeless.
The commission already has allocated some Proposition 63 funding to help counties plan how to use the revenue. Feedback was sought statewide from people who provide or use mental health services (Benson, Sacramento Bee, 7/8).