The House and Senate Conference Committee released a $32.5 billion budget on Wednesday evening which maintains 45 beds at Taunton State Hospital and requires a comprehensive study of the mental health system in Massachusetts. This is a victory for the patients and families of Taunton State Hospital, as well as all of those affected by mental illness in Massachusetts—but we’re not done yet.
Take action today and call Governor Patrick at: 888.870.7770. Please urge him to adopt the Conference Committee budget to protect mental health services. The Governor has the power to reduce or eliminate line items entirely, so please call and tell him why it is so important to keep Taunton State Hospital open and study our current system before any more services are cut.
Sample script:
Hello, this is _________ and I am a resident of ___________. I am calling today to urge Governor Patrick to adopt the Conference Committee budget so that Taunton State Hospital remains open and a comprehensive study of the mental health system is conducted. I hope that the Governor will protect mental health services in Massachusetts by signing the Conference Committee budget without changes. Thank you.