At a time of economic stress, when mental health services are often needed, the state of California faces drastic budget cuts.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is requesting $6.9 billion in federal funding for health care services. If the federal government does not provide funding, Schwarzeneggar plans to cut $847 million from the state’s mental health services and up to $4.6 billion in state programs.
The governor plans to substitute mental health services with Prop 63 funds. However, this will require voter approval.
The state is cutting programs to pay for its $19.9 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months. California will see an overall decrease in funds for mental health services, including programs that provide free screening.