Governor David Paterson released his Executive Budget on December 16, 2008, a month earlier than usual, with the hope that the NYS Legislature will approve a budget by March 1, rather than April 1, to realize savings in the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.

NAMI-NYS is committed to fighting the proposed funding cuts that would affect mental health services. You can view Governor Paterson's budget at http://www.budget.state.ny.us/

NAMI-NYS Opposes These Proposals in the Executive Budget:

NAMI-NYS Supports These Proposals in Executive Budget

• Timothy's Law sunset deadline is extended one year to the end of 2010. Financing changed from State general fund to insurance assessments. We support these changes, but we prefer that Timothy's Law is made permanent.

• Reduced expenses for the Sex Offender Management & Treatment Act administered by the Office of Mental Health by reducing staff and hospital stays.