A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to appropriate funds to the Department of Health and Human Services to provide long‑term vocational support services to persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Whereas, persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities should have the dignity and responsibility conferred by work; and
Whereas, State law requires that best practice is the standard for reform of the mental health system; and
Whereas, long‑term vocational support services are recognized as a best practice for persons with severe disabilities; 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 six million dollars ($6,000,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year and the sum of six million dollars ($6,000,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year.  These funds shall be used to provide long‑term vocational support services to persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.