THANK YOU

We walked the halls of the Capitol this week, trying to give AB1800 a final boost before Appropriations—trying to get care for those incapable of getting it for themselves. We want you to know that you were with us.

Almost every legislator or staff person we talked to commented on how many letters supporting AB1800 they have been receiving. Few would admit it, but we could tell they were impressed.

Perhaps by design, most legislators are creatures of public opinion. But not really to (except at the national level) the numbers in general polls, which reflect the answers of people to questions on subjects they don’t even know or care about. What the legislators notice most is how many people care enough to write or call or visit concerning a particular measure. You are showing them how many people care about LPS reform. That is how your support will make AB1800 a win. We thank you for that, thank you deeply.

Without your help, AB1800 most likely would have made it through the Health Committee (Assemblywoman Thomson’s home turf), but very well might have never gotten past the Judiciary.

This week there was further proof of your influence in the Capitol. At the Appropriations Committee meeting, Helen Thomson announced three more co-authors for the bill. They are Assemblymembers Louis Papan, Dennis Cordoza and Charlene Zettel. If two of these names sound familiar, it is because Mr. Papan and Ms. Zettel have been previous targets of CTAC’s letters. That they are now sponsors of the bill we support is not likely a coincidence.

If one of these new sponsors is your representative, you especially deserve a pat on the back. You have done an excellent job of advocacy. Remember to write him or her a thank you note.

We know we have made a difference. If we persevere, thousands with mental illness will be able to get the treatment they need to recover—to live to see the smiles of their children and grandchildren. What a legacy you will have given them

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California Treatment Advocacy Coalition
To receive future updates on LPS Reform
contact [email protected]
Visit our website in the "State Activities"
section at www.psychlaws.org
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