What is Prop 63?

While we are proud to feature opinion pieces from our members and colleagues in the field, be advised that opinions and advertisements shared by NASW-CA do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Association of Social Workers, CA Chapter. This article was written by Advanced Policy students from Cal State Long Beach.

Adriana Avalos
Janet Ceja-Garcia
Jessica Chamorro
Daisy Cruz

Major: Master of Social Work (MSW)

Social Work 605: Advanced Policy at California State University, Long Beach

What is Prop 63?

NASW Code of Ethic: Service

The Mental Health Services Act 2004 in California supports enacting an additional 1% tax on income above $1 million and dedicating funding from the tax to mental health services and programs. Social Workers are encouraged to abide by the Code of Ethics and draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. 

The mental health services act (MHSA) was designed to transform the mental health services in order to affect the lives of underserved populations. As social workers, this act tries to address social problems of individuals, specifically the inadequacy of the state’s underfunded mental health system to care for those with serious mental illness. 51% of funding of the act is to be allocated to be spent on community services, identifying, and supporting children and adults with or at risk of developing emotional disturbances or mental illness. 

Our goal as social workers is to proactively advocate for marginalized communities to ensure all individuals have access to mental health services. It is fundamental for social workers to lobby for policies that will effectively increase the access to mental health services for all individuals.

Mental health is a right despite your income status. Prop 63 sees a need for children, families, and communities to have access to mental health services by calling on the transformation of a system while aiming to improve the quality of life for many Californians.