Governor Bentley Details Impacts of the Legislature's Proposed Cuts to the Department of Mental Health

Press Release

Governor Robert Bentley on Monday participated in a statewide mental health disability awareness campaign in Mobile to discuss the current budget crisis in the General Fund and the impact to the Department of Mental Health if the Legislature's severe cuts are enacted.

"We are facing a tremendous crisis in our General Fund Budget that will impact every Alabama County if not addressed by the Legislature," Governor Robert Bentley said. "I am committed to finding new revenue so our state agencies can continue to provide essential services to Alabamians. For decades, we have failed to address the way our non-education state agencies are funded. With no one-time money available to support the General Fund and debts that are owed, we have a real crisis on our hands. I encourage Alabamians to let their elected representatives know that these cuts are unacceptable."

The Alabama Legislature is considering a proposal that deeply cuts funding for state services. Each state agency was created by law to provide specific services to taxpayers. If enacted, these cuts will put the state in a position incapable of providing many of the essential services of government.

"Now is the time for real solutions to address our budget challenges. I was elected to solve problems, and I urge members of the Legislature to work with me to put this state on a successful path forward. I applaud the House GOP Caucus for agreeing with me that tax increases are needed to address the revenue shortfall in the General Fund. However, their proposal raises only a portion of the needed revenues for state agencies to operate on October 1. By working together, we can make Alabama better for future generations," Bentley added.

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