A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES PROGRAMS, AS REQUESTED BY COALITION 2001.
Whereas, the community mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services system has doubled in terms of persons served in the past 10 years; and
Whereas, tens of thousands of North Carolinians with severe disabilities are still on waiting lists for services; and
Whereas, the success of North Carolina's mental health reform initiative depends on appropriate, continuing community‑based mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services; and
Whereas, a critical need exists for the expansion of the Trust Fund for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services and Bridge Funding Needs to assist in start‑up and transition activities for essential community mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services; and
Whereas, Coalition 2001, a State level organization representing tens of thousands of North Carolinians with severe disabilities through nearly 50 nonprofit organizations working in mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse areas seeks funding to meet the needs of North Carolinians with mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse problems; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) for the 2003‑2004 fiscal year. These funds shall be used for community services programs.
SECTION 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Trust Fund for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services and Bridge Funding Needs, the sum of twenty‑five million dollars ($25,000,000) for the 2003‑2004 fiscal year.  These funds shall be allocated in accordance with G.S. 143‑15.3D.
SECTION 3.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2003.