2019-2020 Legislative Session
For each two-year legislative session, NAMI Massachusetts works with state-wide affiliates and advocacy partners to determine our legislative priorities for the upcoming session. This is a combination of consensus around specific concerns and opportunity for making change.
These priorities can be shared with your legislator. Download this summary sheet.
The lack of appropriate and affordable housing is a top concern for NAMI Massachusetts members based on responses to our “Dream Big Together” activities. We commit to supporting legislation and budgetary initiatives that expand access to affordable housing, increase funding for DMH housing, and address homelessness in the Commonwealth.
NAMI Mass is working closely with the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH) on line item 5046-0000. The governor level funded this item in support of the DMH Rental Housing Subsidy, MAMH is hoping for an additional $1M in the budget this year which would provided for new housing subsidy vouchers for approximately 80 people. Read the Fact Sheet to learn more.
Update 7/31/19:
The FY 20 Budget was signed by Governor Baker on July 31, 2019. The budget included new funding for the DMH Rental Subsidy under DHCD line item 7004-9033. This additional funding of $1 million will help support housing for approximately 80 homeless individuals with serious mental illness.
Many of the issues facing NAMI Mass members, such as access to services and workforce concerns, could be addressed by strengthening mental health parity in Massachusetts.
Update 7/31/19:
NAMI Mass and other advocates testified in front of the Joint Committee on Financial Services on June 6, 2019. The committee had not issued their report on these 4 bills (parity & ESP) before the August recess.
However, another parity-related bill – frequently referred to as the Ghost Networks bill (H913/S610 – An Act to increase consumer transparency about insurance provider networks) was reported favorably from both Financial Services and Healthcare Finance. Several NAMI advocates testified at the Financial Services hearing.
NAMI Mass supports efforts to reduce unnecessary arrest and incarceration of people diagnosed with mental health conditions and the humane treatment of all people in the criminal justice system.
NAMI Mass will support legislation and budgetary initiatives that will improve the quality and availability of mental health services for children and young adults. We are partnering with the Children’s Mental Health Campaign on
NAMI Mass commits to advocating for additional funding for vital DMH services including budget increases for supported housing.
Update 7/31/19:
The FY20 budget had several important items for behavioral health in the Commonwealth