NJAMHAA-FY21-annual-report

8 Reaching for Possibilities in the FY2022 Budget NJAMHAA continues to fight for funding for a long list of priorities on behalf of providers and those served. Always at the top of that list is the need for rates that cover the actual costs of providing services including competitive wages that will enable sufficient recruitment and retention of a qualified workforce. While working toward higher rates and contracts that will provide sustainability, NJAMHAA has also been pursuing both budget resolutions and multiple bills to secure $25 million in supplemental funding to finally close the deficits caused by the transition from deficit funded contracts to fee-for-service (FFS) in the adult system in FY2017. Other budget priorities include, but are not limited to: • Doubling the School Based Youth Services Program (SBYSP) appropriation for a total $30 million state investment: This priority, like the $25 million FFS supplemental, is being pursued through both the budget and legislation. • Appropriating funds to cover the increased costs under mandated minimum wage requirements as they are implemented, including other salary increases needed to prevent the compression of wage scales. • Expanding Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) to all 21 counties and providing additional funding to existing programs: NJAMHAA has been told by legislators that we can expect to see $15 million in the Legislature’s budget to cover expansion of EISS to all counties and additional investment in current programs. • Appropriating $1.5 million to support the Screening Center expansion grant program: NJAMHAA had successfully gotten signed into law in 2020 a grant program for Screening Centers to increase outreach through mobile services, satellite offices and other means. Now, we are looking for dedicated funds for this program. The FY2022 budget, introduced in March of 2021, came following a much improved picture of the state’s revenues, yet, before passage of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), which would provide a significant windfall for New Jersey. NJAMHAA has shared recommendations with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services regarding the use of the supplemental funding to both the Mental Health Block Grant and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant in both the ARP and the December 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. Among the many recommendations made were the following: Sampling of Mental Health Block Grant Recommendations • Community-based urgent care/living room models of care • Mobile crisis response services • Peer services Sampling of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Recommendations • Peer services in inpatient and residential levels of care • Expansion of ambulatory withdrawal management • Supported employment programs • Distribution of naloxone to providers (See the following section on federal legislation and advocacy for details on the amounts received for each block grant supplemental.) The Governor’s FY2022 proposed budget does include: an annualized figure of $108 million to “NJAMHAA leadership is knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled at helping providers navigate the complex intersection of client needs and government requirements.” - Robert J. Budsock, MS, LCADC NJAMHAA’s Immediate Past Board Chair, NJMHI Board Member and President and CEO of Integrity House