What a wonderful and exciting year we've had for Mental Health in California! We are so proud of the commitment made by our lawmakers at the state Capitol in the establishment of the Mental Health Caucus and Sub-Committee, resulting in real dialogue with our government officials and law makers. These conversations cover many topics, ranging from stories told by those among us living with a mental illness to the stories of those who care for them. Lawmakers are also able to learn firsthand about exciting new advances in medicine and how we can all partner to help each other get, and stay healthy.

Some of our new governmental partners are also hitting the road in an effort get an ear to the ground for what is happening in your community. You might have recently had an MHSOAC feedback meeting in your area. Did you know that a NAMI president is an MHSOAC Commissioner? Tulare County's own Ralph Nelson is there ensuring that communities are getting a fair voice in the processes that affect them. To see when they'll be out in your area again,  click here for more information, or contact David Czarnecki, NAMI CA Advocacy Coordinator, to sign up for our advocacy alerts (david.czarnecki@namicalifornia.org).

Read more at NAMI California.

Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders have reached agreement on major elements of the state budget, including a controversial school funding proposal and other issues, sources said.

In a victory for the Democratic governor, sources said the agreement will largely assume the more conservative revenue estimates proposed by Brown. Legislative Democrats had urged about $2 billion more in spending on state services and programs than Brown proposed, after the state's nonpartisan legislative analyst issued a rosier economic forecast than Brown's.

In a compromise on Brown's proposal to overhaul the state education system and to shift more money to poor and English-learning students, all school districts would receive additional base revenue.

In addition, Senate Democrats are poised to get $206 million to improve mental health services, including $142 million in one-time general fund money. They are also expected to receive about $80 million to restore Medi-Cal adult dental benefits.

Assembly Democrats would receive approval for implementation of middle-class college scholarships, a priority of Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez.

Money was freed up for those programs by reducing the amount of money Brown proposed to give schools to pay down debts owed under Proposition 98, California's school-funding guarantee, the sources said. The agreement also assumes nearly $300 million in higher property tax revenue and savings of about $85 million to $90 million in the state expansion of Medi-Cal.

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