Summary: AB 760 would impose a 5 cent ($0.05) tax on each munition sold at retail in the state, and upon each munition purchased out of state or on the Internet, but intended for use in California. Further, the bill would dedicate the revenue collected from this tax to the School-Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention Services for Children grant program which has existed since 1991.
LACEF’s public policy goals Believes, Invests, and Champions legislation that advances our mission to provide life-changing opportunities to the children and youth of Los Angeles County through education. We understand the power of education and the important transformation that occurs from learning.
Why does California (LA County) need AB 760 now?
Summary – Since they were first established in the 1980s, California’s school-based health centers (SBHCs) have been an important part of the safety net, providing access to health care to thousands of underserved children and adolescents who may otherwise have gone without care.
California’s SBHCs offer a range of primary care services, such as screenings, immunizations, and physicals. Many also play an important role in managing students’ chronic illnesses, such as asthma and diabetes. Some SBHCs offer reproductive health services, play an important role in mental health and youth development, and provide dental services.
California currently has 200 SBHCs, with over 40 new centers in development. More than 250,000 children in grades K-12 have access to a school-based health center.
Issue – Gun violence is disturbingly prevalent in our nation and state. Reams of statistics demonstrate how common an act of gun violence has become. According to the FBI, California had the highest number of total gun deaths out of any state last year, accounting for 68% of all gun murders in the United States. Approximately 5700 people were either hospitalized or killed due to guns in California during 2011. More guns are being sold each year -over 600,000 in California last year. Bullet sales nationwide total 9 to 10 billion annually. In California, bullet sales may be as high as 1.2 billion.
Solution – AB 760 seeks to reduce the incidence of mental illness by re-funding a small and successful state matching grant program addressing mild to moderate forms of mental illness in young children. The program, known as the School-Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention Services for Children program (EMHI), has been operating since its enactment in 1991. The program provides screening and prevention services to K -3 grade students who exhibit school adjustment difficulties. Funding for the program was blue-penciled in the 2012-13 Budget.
Resources:
Supporters:
- Children Now: Children Now’s mission is to find common ground among influential opinion leaders, interest groups and policymakers, who together can develop and drive socially innovative, “win-win” approaches to helping all children achieve their full potential. For more information click here.
Status:
- 02/21/13 – Introduced
- As of 05/06/13 – In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to Rev. & Tax. suspense file
Sign on to our letter of support!
Subject: Support AB 760 (Dickinson) – Ammunition Tax: School Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention
AB 760 would impose a 5 cent ($0.05) tax on each munition sold at retail in the state, and upon each munition purchased out of state or on the Internet, but intended for use in California. Further, the bill would dedicate the revenue collected from this tax to the School-Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention Services for Children grant program which has existed since 1991.
AB 760 is a step in the right direction for all students, especially those we serve. It would impose a 5 cent ($0.05) tax on each sale of ammunition at retail locations in the state, and upon ammunition purchased out of state or on the Internet, but intended for use in California. Further, the bill would dedicate the revenue collected from this tax to the School-Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention Services for Children grant program, which has existed since 1991. This measure would restore funding for the program cut in the last State Budget.
AB 760 seeks to address the plague of gun violence. Gun violence is disturbingly prevalent in our state and nation. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) California had the highest number of total gun deaths of any state last year, accounting for 68% of all gun murders in the United States. Approximately 5,700 people were either hospitalized or killed due to guns in California during 2011. More guns are being sold each year – over 600,000 last year. Bullet sales nationwide total 9 to 10 billion annually. In California, bullet sales may be as high as 1.2 billion.
AB 760 seeks to reduce the incidence of mental illness by re-funding a small and successful state matching grant program addressing mild to moderate forms of mental illness in young children. The program, known as the School-Based Early Mental Health Intervention and Prevention Services for Children program (EMHI), has been operating since its enactment in 1991. The program provides screening and prevention services to K–3 grade students who exhibit school adjustment difficulties. Funding for the program was blue-penciled in the 2012-13 Budget.
According to the Dept. of Health Care Services, the systematic early detection and screening, combined with prompt intervention, as offered by EMHI, has been effective in reducing later adjustment difficulties in 79% of the students served by the program. Reducing student adjustment problems at an earlier age may very well reduce violent behavior by students later on in their academic careers.
AB 760 is not primarily intended to reduce the consumption and use of ammunition. Rather, the bill is intended to help fund a program which reduces the number of people who suffer from mild or moderate forms of mental illness affecting their emotional condition and behavior, and, which left untreated, may increase their propensity to commit a violent act, possibly with a gun, resulting in tragic consequences. AB 760 moves our state in the right direction and we urge your “aye” vote on this bill when it comes before you.
Sincerely,