Honorable Gray Davis

Governor, State of California

State Capitol, First Floor

Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Davis:

On behalf of the California Association of School Psychologists, we wish to express our support for maintaining funding in the budget, AB 1765, to the Early Mental Health Initiative (EMHI), (Item # 4440-102-0001).

First, we would like to acknowledge the unprecedented budget crisis the State of California is facing. We acknowledge that cuts have to be made. Your budget originally proposed elimination of the entire $15 million in funding for EMHI programs in 2003-04. Rather than eliminate the entire program, the Legislature reduced program funding to $10 million. We are supportive of funding at this level. While cuts may be appropriate, it would be devastating to eliminate this important program for at risk children in our school system.

EMHI funded programs are a low-cost method of directly helping children become ready to learn. Under this program, the State awards grants to Local Education Agencies to implement early mental health intervention and prevention programs for students in K-grade 3. Schools that receive grants must also provide at least a 50 percent match to the funding provided by the Department of Mental Health. Schools use the funds to employ child aides who work with students to enhance the student’s social and emotional development. Students must have parental permission to participate in the program. The intervention provided by EMHI can have immediate impact on the child, the classroom, and the school environment. The long-range effects can last a lifetime. Maintaining a level of funding will ensure the continuity of critical support offered to elementary school children.

We truly appreciate the complexities in putting the 2003-04 budget together. Budget cuts are expected; elimination of this vital program will be devastating for over 23,000 school children in California. We strongly urge that you support funding for EMHI as approved by the Legislature.

Thank you for your consideration on this issue. If we can provide you with any additional information, do not hesitate Chris Kahn at (916) 446-3007.

Cc: Secretary Kerry Mazzoni

Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell