Mental-health funding explained
Re “Money for nothing,” editorial, Aug. 25
In a time when cooperation between the state and counties has already resulted in improved mental health services statewide, The Times has misrepresented several issues related to the planning and funding mechanisms of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act.
The state has worked closely with counties to allocate funding for appropriate mental health programs. Forty-one counties already have received $300 million to fund their programs.
The state has no desire to dictate local programs, but it remains committed to upholding the fiscal and program objectives of the proposition. The Legislature and the public demand this of us.
The Times also overstated the amount of additional funding generated by Proposition 63. The most recent estimate predicts an $882-million increase over two years, a portion of which will be set aside for a prudent reserve.
STEPHEN W. MAYBERG
Director
California Department
of Mental Health
Sacramento
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
