February 23, 2021
Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO
The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction
Agencies (NJAMHAA) appreciates Governor Phil Murphy's continued
focus on addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and pandemic,
bolstering youth services with a sustained increase to Children's
System of Care rates and providing $86.1 million that will go to
providers to cover two years of minimum wage increases, as he
announced during his FY2022 Budget Address earlier today.
NJAMHAA applauds Gov. Murphy's proposals related to health care,
which include renewal and expansion of funding for women's health
and family planning; investment in First Lady Tammy Murphy's
strategic initiatives to improve maternal and infant health and
related racial disparities; provision of Medicaid coverage for
one full year after childbirth; and strategic use of federal
Medicaid funds to launch a Cover All Kids initiative for children
who are currently uninsured. NJAMHAA supports the proposed
increased funding for providers of residential services for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
expansion of the Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and
Disabled program; and continued investment to tackle the opioid
crisis.
In addition, NJAMHAA is encouraged by Gov. Murphy's healthcare
priorities, including affordable and accessible health care,
which is underway through the establishment of Get Covered New
Jersey, New Jersey's own healthcare insurance marketplace, and by
the open enrollment being extended through May 15, 2021 in
response to the pandemic.
NJAMHAA commends the Governor's initiatives that are essential
for individuals' health and wellbeing by providing opportunities
for them to lead meaningful, successful lives. These include
substantial funding for pre-K through 12th grade education; free
tuition for eligible students pursuing Associate's degrees and
for the first two years at four-year public colleges and
universities; workforce development and creation of jobs.
We urge the State Legislature to not only support the Governor's
proposals, but also address the significant increased need for
mental health and substance use treatment amidst the pandemic by
further expanding and strengthening proven community-based
programs.
