Alabama (WHNT) — The Alabama legislature is considering raising cell and landline rates to increase funding for mental health care.
State leaders are trying to get the bill passed by the end of this session. This is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to expand mental health care services throughout Alabama.
Lawmakers argue that House Bill 389 would add a fixed amount to monthly phone bills and increase funding to care for individuals suffering from mental illness.
If the proposal passes, Alabama residents will see a 98-cent increase in their monthly phone bills. The money generated by phone price increases will help generate nearly $70 million in expanding mental health care services.
Huntsville City Councilman Rex Reynolds supports the bill. He said expanding mental health care is key to addressing the mental hurdles some people face.
“One in three people can be affected by mental health in their lifetime, so we put out red flags to get people out early. We need to provide crisis treatment as soon as possible,” Reynolds told News19.
Terre Stewart, mental health coordinator at Wellstone University, told News 19 about the importance and benefits of Alabama expanding access to mental health.
“This is really important because it can reduce suicide rates, reduce substance abuse, reduce crime, and reduce the many barriers we face in society,” Stewart said.
The bill would expand the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which connects callers to experts to help them deal with suicidal thoughts.
If the bill is passed, Alabama residents will likely see their cell phone bills increase by about $12 a year.
But Kate Phillips says she knows the importance of mental health and doesn’t mind even a minimal increase if it’s justified.
“Access to mental health is very important, but it’s not something that many people have access to to get a lot of help for a lot of people at minimal cost,” Phillips said.
Reynolds said the bill would create sustainable funding for mental health care in Alabama and avoid the uncertainty of relying on the General Fund.
The resolution has not yet been finalized, but lawmakers are calling for it to be passed before this year’s legislative session ends in early June.