Today, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C,I,Ref-Medford) attended a press conference calling for an increase in funding for the mental hygiene system in this year’s final budget. The conference was hosted by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, chairwoman of the Assembly Mental Hygiene Committee, at the Million Dollar Staircase in the State Capitol.

The Assembly one-house budget proposal included a restoration of a 2.9 percent cost of living adjustment across the human services field, an additional two percent raise for direct-care workers in the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health and Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, and also included an additional $10 million in funding for mental health supported housing.

“It is imperative that this funding is delivered in the 2019-20 final budget. Our direct-care workers deserve a livable wage and our disabled community deserves the resources and services to allow them to live long and fulfilling lives,” said DeStefano. “I am proud to stand in a bi-partisan manner with my fellow legislators on behalf of the individuals who use and provide these much-needed services.”