June 10, 2002

The Honorable Martha Escutia
Senate Health and Human Services Committee
State Capital, Room 5080
Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: Oppose Position, AB 1421

Honorable Martha Escutia and Members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee:

On behalf of the statewide Independent Living Centers, (ILCs) serving Californians of all ages with a variety of disabilities, I am submitting this letter of opposition to AB 1421.

CFILC is a membership organization representing 28 community-based nonprofit corporations that are designated by the Department of Rehabilitation to assist people with disabilities in leading more independent and productive lives. As a grass-roots organization CFILC is dedicated to support of public policies and funding which will improve the lives of their consumers.

The ILCs oppose AB 1421 because the proposed policies do NOT support the independent living philosophy of allowing people with mental and other disabilities to have voluntary choices in seeking assistance toward the goal of recovery and/or living with disabilities. In that regard, CFILC urges the Legislature to take note of the research project supported by the State Department of Mental Health (SDMH) - "The Well Being Project" - which makes compelling arguments that the fear of "forced treatment" leads individuals to avoid treatment and creates an environment which is not conducive to appropriate therapy and recovery.

Rather than repeat points of opposition you have received from other consumer-focused advocacy groups, please note that the specific concerns raised by the California Network of Mental Health Clients (CNMHC) merit serious consideration as points to be taken in to account in opposing AB 1421 as last amended.

Thank you for taking our association's views as points to urge a "no" vote at the bill hearing in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on Wednesday, June 12.

Please contact me at (310) 390-3611or via fax at (310) 390-4906 with any questions.

Sincerely,
Mary Ann Jones
Chairperson, CFILC

cc:

The Honorable Martha Escutia

Members, Senate Health and Human Services Committee

F. Burns Vick

Members, CFILC