Legislative Advocacy Center
School-based and school-linked health centers and programs have emerged as a powerful tool in the delivery of health care and education to children and adolescents, yet lack of sustainable funding threatens the centers. The School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan is involved in state and federal health and education policy discussions to strengthen legislative support for SBHCs. SCHA-MI focuses its efforts on increasing access to healthcare, providing critical health education and support services for children and families, improving the quality of care and education delivered and to ensuring stable funding for centers and programs. We encourage you to get involved and let your voice be heard.
STATE BUDGET UPDATE
October 20, 2009 - Governor Granholm signs K-12 budget just in time! Late last night the Governor signed the K-12 budget. While she did veto line items within the budget she did not cut CAHCs any further. The cut is 25% to the overall line item for CAHCs, far better than we started out with which was 0% funding within the Senate approved budget.
While we should and need to celebrate, it is important to note that the K-12 budget for this year is already in a significant budget deficit given the legislature has not passed any of the revenue strategies.
What this means for CAHCs: The state can now enter into contracts and are making recommendations for reductions. SCHA-MI has been in dialogue with the State about ways to make the reduction so that the integrity and core functions of the program remain intact. SCHA-MI is confident that the reductions will be done in thoughtful and meaningful way.
If you have any questions regarding the State Budget, please contact:
Deborah Riddick, Director of Policy and Planning
School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan
driddick@scha-mi.org
6035 Executive Drive, Suite 103 • Lansing, MI 48911 • PH: 517.908.0847 • FAX: 517.381.8011 • info@scha-mi.org