At a rally held at the downtown Los Angeles state building on May 13th, SEIU Local 721 members and community advocates gathered to show support for mental health services and oppose the May 19 ballot measure, Proposition 1E. Prop. 1E would cut nearly $500 million from community-based mental health services and shred innovative programs that provide more than 600,000 Californians with a fresh chance at better lives.
At last Wednesday's rally, Local 721 member Ron Ruiz, a part of LA County's mental health care team, shared his view on how Prop 1E would hurt quality mental health services:
[...] We know that the social costs of untreated mental illness are steep. You see that on Skid Row here in Los Angeles. We help people get jobs, stay on their meds, and get the treatment they need to become better-functioning members of society. But budget cuts mean reducing their chance for a better life.That's why, five years ago, SEIU members here in Los Angeles and around the state worked together with the mental health community to bring new funds to the mental health system by helping pass the Mental Health Services Act--Prop. 63.
Since November 2004, when Prop. 63 won overwhelming approval by the voters, more than 210,000 California residents have had increased access to community mental health services.
Thousands of people living with mental illness have been treated in our own communities--rather than hospitals or the criminal justice system--which saves public money as people are diverted from these costly institutions.
But now, these vital mental health services are threatened.
Prop 1E on the May 19 ballot would strip more than $460 million over two years from Mental Health Services Act revenues.
This half-a-billion-dollar hit on mental health funds, on top of other local and state revenue reductions, will impact Los Angeles County's ability to serve the people in our communities with serious mental illnesses.
It could also result in more homelessness, hospitalizations, and increased pressure on our social safety net, costing taxpayers more in the long run.
Mental health services can't afford any more cuts.
The mental health system, its clients and California's communities need your help now. Spread the word before tomorrow's election to make sure your friends, family, colleagues and the voters of California know that Prop. 1E cuts funding for the mentally ill.
