Washington, D.C. - Today, the Committee on Health, chaired by Councilmember David Catania (At-Large), approved over $2.5 billion in spending for the Departments of Health, Mental Health, and Health Care Finance for the 2010 fiscal year (FY 10). This is the fifth budget approved by the Committee during Catania’s chairmanship, and it represents a continued commitment to a number of successful health initiatives begun under his leadership. The spending plan was approved by a 4-0 vote of Committee members Yvette Alexander (Ward 7), Mary Cheh (Ward 3), Tommy Wells (Ward 6) and Catania.
“I am very pleased that, despite the condition of the economy, this budget preserves virtually all of the District’s healthcare priorities,” said Catania. “The Committee put significant resources in areas where services are needed most.”
The Health Committee’s FY 10 budget includes specific appropriations to:
· Expand access to health insurance programs for District residents;
· Support school-based health and mental health services;
· Support chronic disease programs and services;
· Enhance HIV/AIDS prevention, primary care and support services;
· Enhance mental health services for individuals in the District;
· Improve the quality of substance abuse prevention, treatment and outreach services; and
· Maximize collection of federal revenue.
The Committee’s action today marks the culmination of several weeks of oversight and budget hearings. The approved plan will now become part of the Committee of the Whole budget for the District of Columbia. The first vote on the city’s FY 10 budget is scheduled for May 5, 2009. To view the full Committee on Health FY 10 Budget, click here.
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