Gov. Murphy’s Proposed Budget Aims to Improve Economy, Health and Future Opportunities
February 23, 2021
Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO
The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) appreciates Governor Phil Murphy’s continued focus on addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and pandemic, bolstering youth services with a sustained increase to Children’s System of Care rates and providing $86.1 million that will go to providers to cover two years of minimum wage increases, as he announced during his FY2022 Budget Address earlier today.
NJAMHAA applauds Gov. Murphy’s proposals related to health care, which include renewal and expansion of funding for women’s health and family planning; investment in First Lady Tammy Murphy’s strategic initiatives to improve maternal and infant health and related racial disparities; provision of Medicaid coverage for one full year after childbirth; and strategic use of federal Medicaid funds to launch a Cover All Kids initiative for children who are currently uninsured. NJAMHAA supports the proposed increased funding for providers of residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; expansion of the Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled program; and continued investment to tackle the opioid crisis.
In addition, NJAMHAA is encouraged by Gov. Murphy’s healthcare priorities, including affordable and accessible health care, which is underway through the establishment of Get Covered New Jersey, New Jersey’s own healthcare insurance marketplace, and by the open enrollment being extended through May 15, 2021 in response to the pandemic.
NJAMHAA commends the Governor’s initiatives that are essential for individuals’ health and wellbeing by providing opportunities for them to lead meaningful, successful lives. These include substantial funding for pre-K through 12th grade education; free tuition for eligible students pursuing Associate’s degrees and for the first two years at four-year public colleges and universities; workforce development and creation of jobs.
We urge the State Legislature to not only support the Governor’s proposals, but also address the significant increased need for mental health and substance use treatment amidst the pandemic by further expanding and strengthening proven community-based programs.
Click here for more details on NJAMHAA's budget, legislative and administrative recommendations in its new advocacy campaign, Building a Bridge to a Better Future.
A Virtual Experience. Stayed tuned for more details!
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
NJAMHAA in the News:
Final FY2021 Budget Sustains Most Behavioral Health Funding, Adds Investments
New Jersey's 2021 Budget Should Expand Mental Health Treatment
New Jerseyans Need More Mental Health Services in this Time of COVID-19
Coronavirus Resources
To help everyone stay informed about the coronavirus and recommendations that have been shared by various resources, NJAMHAA has consolidated resources. Click here to access links.
Race and Behavioral Health Resources
NJAMHAA has compiled a list of resources related to race and mental health. Click here to access the links.
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