Bipolar Disorder Daily News Blog

Congressional Update: House passes legislation with increased funding for Mental Illness research and services

On July 24, the House of Representatives approved legislation (HR 3293) that includes increased funding for mental illness research and services for FY 2010 HR 3293 is an Appropriations Bill which sets spending levels for the Labor-HHS- and Education Departments for FY2010 (which begins on Oct 1, 2009). The Senate takes up similar legislation next week. HR 3292 Hightlights include:

993 million increase for the Limitation on Administrative Expenses (LAE) budget which pays for administrative costs associated with implementing entitlement programs such as SSI and SSDI - This will help the Social Security Administration cope with an unprecedented backlog in disability claimant appeals
• $52 million increase for mental illness research at NIMH
• $17 million increase for the Childrens' Mental Health program.
• $8.4 million increase for the PATH program (outreach services for homeless individuals with serious mental illness)

Click here for more detailed information on this legislation.