Some anti "the sky is falling news"

[county worker]

I work for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services department of our county. Our expected revenue for the 10-11 FY is about $6 million less than our expected expenses. We do a lot of treatment services for which we do not get reimbursement or not full reimbursement. In years past the State has made up the difference. This year the State is in worse shape than we are. We also get ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) money this year but most likely it will end unless there is another stimulus package.

So our director told the Board of Supervisors that we will have to stop treating indigent clients next year. (We also find homes for some of the homeless beside treatment services.) The Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed that we cannot stop treating indigent clients and that they would rather take money away from other programs that benefit those who have incomes rather than stop treating indigent. And our county has one of the wealthiest cities in the state.

That is some good news in a world of doom and gloom. Also our state is working on a single payer health care proposal.

So the sky isn't falling everywhere on everyone.

[Better Today]

1. Kudos to the Board!