The Legislature has reached a tentative agreement on a revenue package that would raise $990 million. The package would raise the sales tax by ¾ of a cent or 1 cent, add a 2% surcharge to the income tax, and increase the cigarette and alcohol tax. House and Senate leaders will work out the details over the next several days. It appears that we're approaching the end, though a meltdown is always possible. This inclusion of additional revenue in the final budget package is a big victory, and we should feel great about what we've accomplished this legislative session. Just a few months ago legislative leaders were saying that raising additional revenue wasn't necessary and wasn't a possibility - now they are ready to raise nearly ONE BILLION dollars to mitigate the worst cuts to critical public investments like education, health care, and job training just to name a few. The final budget won't be pretty, but it could have been a lot worse.
While leaders in both chambers have reached an agreement, it still might be necessary to put some pressure on rank and file members to pass a budget with the revenue package, so keep your eyes and ears open for a final call to action.
What can you do to help? Time is short. Legislators need to hear from you today. Email your legislators and tell them to say "NO" to devastating budget cuts and "YES" to a balanced solution for the state budget that enacts smart cuts and raises new revenue. If we pull together, we can get through this budget crisis. Keep up the great work!
Susan King Cope
Development and Special Events Director
NAMI North Carolina
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On Wednesday, July 22nd members of the Education Appropriations Committee voted 7:4 in favor of HB 137: Capital Procedure/Severe Mental Disability which would exclude individuals with mental illness from from the death penalty if they had a severe disability at the time the crime was committed. This bill would also allow defendants a "guilty" verdict - whereas currently, they must enter a plea of not guilty and move into full court proceedings.
There was much discussion about the bill and confusion regarding what and when the bill would be applied. There was also much discussion about the proposed "savings" the bill would provide the judicial system. In the end - members across party lines determined that the bill would protect those with mental illness and moved for a favorable vote. This is a great step on the progression of this bill and it is because of the many calls from NAMI NC membership that helped the HB 137 make it through Committee. The bill will now move on to the House for a vote!
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Don't forget to nominate someone that has made a difference in your life! Right now, NAMI North Carolina members have 2 opportunities to give recognition to those who go the extra mile for individuals and family members with mental illness:
1) NAMI North Carolina Awards - to be presented at the 2009 Annual Conference
2) Heroes in the Fight - a partnership with Eli Lily and other mental health organizations in North Carolina - and across the country
- for more information, go the the Heroes in the Fight website and download application or get it off of the NAMI North Carolina site: Due August 27th
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