The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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June 26, 2009

Your View: Governor's cuts to harm mentally ill

DeeAnna Pfarr, Le Sueur and Melinda Rodriguez, Waseca



I am writing in response to Gov. Pawlenty’s proposed budget cuts. Specifically, the GA/MSA that will be effective Nov. 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. This will eliminate grants for low income and disabled individuals or families providing basic care. The reductions of $236,090,000 are being recommended for Human Services.

This is going to affect the mentally ill primarily. Reductions will cut county mental health grants by $5 million the first year and $3 million the year after. This money was used to help counties pay for case management and other services. I am in fear of how this will affect the mentally ill and the services they would not be receiving. What is going to happen when they are expected to transition over to MinnesotaCare, with less money being provided for case management who is going to help them fill out the necessary forms? There will be mentally ill individuals going without necessary medication while they are on the MinnesotaCare waiting list, which is up to three to four months approximately. This is moving away from Minnesota’s tradition of helping people in need.

I am urging you to take part in the NAMI Minnesota rally to help bring awareness to this issue. Maybe together we can minimize the damage that can take place with the budget cuts.

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