On Thursday March 10, Governor Pat Quinn
signed SB150, the Chicago
Community Expanded Mental Health
Services Act
into law. The Governor's signature
comes on the
heels of a
whirlwind campaign to give Chicago communities the ability
to
restore
mental health services through a binding front-foor
referendum vote.
The bill was first introduced into the Illinois House
of
Representatives during the fall veto session where it
passed both
the
Illinois House and Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan
support. (see House
and Senate
votes). Coalition members now look toward the next election when voters
will have the opportunity to vote to establish a community mental
health fund. (Image by Chris Eaves)
Overview of legislation
The legislation aims to provide Chicago voters with the ability to expand mental health services devastated by budget cuts. Simply put, Chicago communities would have the ability to vote on a front-door referendum whether they are willing to increase their own property taxes (an average of $12-$20 per year) to restore mental health services to their community. If the voters approve, an expanded mental health services program will be established to expand mental health services for schools, seniors, veterans and anyone else in your local community that needs help. If the voters do not approve, nothing happens. (Read more about the program)
The legislation is cost-neutral to the State and City, is dependent on the approval of the voters, and provides Chicago communities with the same ability to provide for mental health services that all other areas of the State are given through '708 boards.'
Why this legislation is needed nowThe mental health system in the City of Chicago has seen drastic budget cuts which have left many mentally ill residents with no way to receive help. Over the past three years alone, the City of Chicago's mental health budget has been cut in half with more cuts projected on the horizon. Currently, only "severely mentally ill" residents in Chicago are even considered for services, while all others are denied services. The services provided through this legislation have a particular emphasis on early interevention. The residual costs of paying for hospitalization, incarceration, and disability mean that we can no longer afford to leave the mentally ill untreated- we either pay a little now or a lot later. (For more information see The City's $46 Million Blunder)
How have the voters responded?
An advisory referendum was placed on the ballot in November 2008 in the North River Area of Chicago, when 23,492 residents voted 71% in favor of expanding mental health services in their community by raising their own property taxes by .004 (an average of $16 per year). Chicago residents clearly see a need for mental health services and are even willing to pay for them!.
A solution for any Chicago community
Mental illness strikes all areas of the population, regardless of income, race, education, or location. Therefore, SB150 provides the flexibility to give any community in Chicago, regardless of income or wealth, the ability to adequately fund these expanded services. The local nature of the funding and oversight allow each community to address its unique mental health needs and the open and local nature of the governing board ensures that the taxpayer's money is used effectively and locally.What safegaurds are in place?
The legislation first requires that 85% of taxpayer dollars be used directly for services, with only a 15% maximum for administrative costs. The board of governing commissioners is required to be made up of mostly local residents and includes representation of mental health professionals as well as users of mental health services. All meetings must adhere to the rules of the Open Meetings Act, the amount of taxation can never be raised without the approval of the voters- NO EXCEPTIONS- and the voters may, at any time, place a referendum on the ballot and vote to repeal the program should they wish.
