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Policy Action Network (PAN)

Dear PAN Members,

THANK YOU for all of your contributions to make this a successful legislative session. As most of you know, the Colorado General Assembly wrapped up the 2008 session in May.

Some of the highlights for community mental health included:

• An increase of $3 million in General Funds to support indigent care around the state
• $6.9 million for expansion of the CHP+ program so kids on CHP+ can access mental health services that are more comparable to the Medicaid benefit
• $5.7 million in prison recidivism reduction to benefit people with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system
• The passage of SB 006, which allows for Medicaid benefits to be suspended, rather than terminated,when an individual is institutionalized.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW!

Summer is a great time to communicate with your state legislators. Here are just a few actions you can take in the next few months:
- Many legislators hold constituent meetings/coffees over the summer to gather ideas for bills they will carry in the next session. Check the webpages of your state representatives and state senators and/or sign up for their e-mail list-servs to learn about these opportunities.
- Support legislators who have been advocates for mental health, who are now up for re-election or running for a different office. A few you might consider:
Senator Betty Boyd is running for re-election and is kicking off her campaign this week.
Senator Sue Windels is running for Jefferson County Commissioner, with a kick-off this Sunday, June 8th Alamos Verdes, 5304 Vance St. 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
Representative Andy Kerr is running for re-election and is kicking off his campaign this Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Belmar Center, 405 S. Teller St., Lakewood
- Invite your legislators out for coffee, or to come and tour your agency if you are a mental health or other human service provider.
- Write, e-mail or call them at their home address (most legislators will not spend much time at the capitol over the summer months) and thank them for legislation they supported this past year and/or encourage them to take a leadership role on mental health issues next year.
- As you see family and friends at your 4th of July BBQ or other summer events, don't be afraid to talk about mental health and why its important to you. Tap your informal network to help build support for the next legislative session! You can also encourage them to become members of the PAN- contact me if you would like some PAN sign-up forms!

Also, don't forget that Congress and the US Senate continue to meet throughout the year, so we may be sending out action alerts on mental health policy at the federal level.

Thank you again for your support and dedication to community mental health!

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WE NEED YOU! This is a great way to get involved in yor community and promote mental health. Members of the PAN establish and maintain positive relationships with elected officials and other decision makers to promote adequate resources and improve the lives of community members. Jefferson Center provides PAN members with up to date information about pending legislation and issues related to mental health. By working together to be a voice for mental health, we can make a real difference!

Information and Interest Form (.pdf)

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Your Elected Officials

To determine who your legislator is, contact your County Clerk's office and give them your exact home address.

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