ADOPTED - APRIL 9, 2002

Agenda Item No. 8

Introduced by the Human Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE MANDATORY TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FROM COORDINATING AGENCIES TO COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES

RESOLUTION #02-102

WHEREAS, Governor Engler has proposed in the Executive Budget for 2002-03 the transfer of administrative oversight of substance abuse services from Substance Abuse Coordinating Agencies to Community Mental Health Service Programs; and

WHEREAS, the Governor has proposed reducing the funding appropriated to substance abuse by $1.0 million dollars with this transfer of these responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, Public Act 368 of 1978 states that when the State Administrator designates a county or regional coordinating agency, the designation shall be subject to the approval of the affected county board or boards of commissioners; and

WHEREAS, the implementation of this transfer would result in the elimination of the county responsibility to designate a county or regional coordinating agency; and

WHEREAS, the potential effect of implementing this reduction in funding would result in the reduction of direct services for individuals with substance abuse disorders; and

WHEREAS, the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission and the Ingham County Board of Commissioners recognizes the need to implement budgetary changes but resolves that those changes should occur within the context of the entire State budget and should not be disproportionately imposed on persons in this state with substance abuse disabilities; and

WHEREAS, the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission and the Ingham County Board of Commissioners further recognize that the designation of County or regional Coordinating Agencies may change, but that any change should remain a local county decision.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners urges our legislators to oppose:

1. any State mandated transfer of administrative oversight of substance abuse services;

2. any attempt to usurp local responsibility;

3. any process that does not include public stakeholder and current beneficiary input;

4. any attempt to correct the State's budget problem on the backs of persons with substance abuse disabilities.

ADOPTED - APRIL 9, 2002

Agenda Item No. 8

RESOLUTION #02-102

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor, the Ingham County legislative delegation, the County Chairpersons of the counties that participate in MSSAC and the MAC.

HUMAN SERVICES: HUMAN SERVICES: Yeas: Hertel, Dedden, Lynch, Severino

Nays: None Absent: Celentino Approved 4/9/02