The CBC has worked tirelessly to combine the most effective assets of California's private certification systems with the enforcement and oversight powers of a designated "single state agency" (Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs ADP). The CBC model would have utilized the current, efficient and cost effective infrastructure developed over the past two decades by keeping the state's counselor preparation and testing organizations (CPTOs) intact. We collectively believe it would have improved upon this system by giving the Department the statutory authority to issue certifications and licenses to counselors and to regulate CPTOs. By doing so, consumers, family members and employers would have experienced improved consumer protection, standardized complaint and enforcement standards and increased professionalism.

After months of negotiations and collaboration meetings, AODA counselor certification and licensure legislation (Senate Bill 686, De Saulnier) is on a fast track for passage before the Session ends. However, as you know the legislative process is extremely complicated and sometimes unpredictable, our chances will increase as a direct result of your participation!  Consequently, all CAADAC members are encouraged to write and e-mail California legislators as soon as possible.  We recognize we have many hurdles remaining and the "fast track" we are on will require our immediate attention.
 

Read press release by clicking here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
SACRAMENTO, California (May 28, 2010) - "This is truly a professional community effort that includes treatment providers, AOD counselors, licensed professionals and educators," explains Bob Tyler, "all working together to protect the consumer, increase standards, and keep certification options available and the costs down for California alcohol and other drug counselors."
 

The California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors urges you to take immediate action to help stop budget cuts to the Drug Medi-Cal program.  Last week, the Governor proposed to eliminate the Drug Medi-Cal program funding.  This week, the Assembly took action to reject the Governor's proposal, which would maintain the Drug Medi-Cal funding.  We are asking you to take action and call the Senators of the Budget Subcommittee who will be taking action next week regarding this important funding.  Please contact the Senators listed below and urge them to reject the Governor's Drug Medi-Cal funding cuts.

The original 2009-2010 Budget allocated $108 million in Proposition 36 programs: $90 million for Proposition 36 specifically, and $18 million for the Offender Treatment Program (OTP). The $90 million in funding for Proposition 36 has been eliminated for the 2009-2010 Budget Year. The $18 million in funding for the OTP continues in the 2009-2010 Budget Year. Additionally, a one-time increase in federal Byrne JAG grants will provide a $50 million augmentation in funding for OTP in the 2009-2010 Budget Year. In total, the funding was reduced by $40 million (from $108 million to $68 million) and was identified to be solely for the OTP to allow the Legislature more control over the policy of the program.
 

• Corrections: ($1.2 billion)* See below for more detail
• Healthy Families: ($226 million)
• Medi-Cal: ($1.3 billion over two years)
• Cal-Works: ($528 million)
  IHSS: ($211 million) - through new background checks and fingerprinting requirements for IHSS providers and recipients; no cuts to provider salaries

The Governor is proposing historic cuts to treatment services in California. In addition to the complete elimination of Proposition 36 funding, he is also proposing a 10% cut to Drug Medi-Cal services. Further cuts are expected as the fiscal crisis worsens in California. CAADAC is meeting with treatment advocates at the highest levels to work on strategies to reduce the levels of cuts, but we need your help. We will be drawing on our extensive grassroots network (you) heavily in the coming months. It is vital that you do everything you can to respond when urged to.

Hello CAADAC and Constituents,

SB 707 was heard by the Appropriations Committee on May 11, 2009. The committee placed the bill into the suspense file.  This means the bill will be reviewed for the fiscal impact while in suspense.  The suspense process can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks.  The committee will review the impact and determine whether or not to move the bill to the next committee. (There will not be any testimony during the determination process.)  I will keep you updated throughout the legislative process.
 

--Rhonda Messamore, Executive Director
 

On to Appropriations Committee!
 
SB 707 was heard at the state capitol today at approximately 4:45pm. After listening to testimony from those in favor and those opposed; the committee voted  in favor of moving the bill to the next step in the process.  (7 aye votes against 2 nay votes.)

PLEASE JOIN US ON APRIL 29, 2009 or CALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOW! 

The hearing for SB 707, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification and Licensing Law is set for April 29, 2009 with the Senate Health Committee.

April 23, 2009: Update, Analysis and FAQ's! Click Here!

CAADAC needs your urgent attention regarding budget negotiations that are going on at the State Capitol right now! California's budget has reached a historic level (over a $40 billion deficit  predicted for the next 18 months). There will be waves of cuts to all levels of government. No category is safe! Legislators are hearing from all of their constituents. At this time, the AODA voice needs to be loud and clear. We have to convince legislators that cutting AODA services will actually increase our state's level of debt because the cost of not treating addiction is higher than treating it.

From: Margaret Dooley-Sammuli
Deputy Campaign Manager, Yes on 5
Deputy State Director, Southern California
Drug Policy Alliance Network
 

On Tuesday, special interests overpowered the public interest -- Prop. 5 did not pass.

AB 239, sadly, was vetoed.

You can see the veto message by clicking on the following Link: http://www.gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/AB239_DeSaulnier_Veto_Message.pdf

If that does not work, visit the following link, scroll down to AB 239, and then click on the veto message: www.gov.ca.gov/press-release/10662/

As much as we were all expecting this, the finality of it is difficult to take for all of us. However, as disappointed as we all are, rest assured that we did everything possible to get this bill passed.

Click here to send your letter of support!

  Read more... click banner to your left!

We are very sad to inform you that our bill did not make it out of appropriations.  However, please be informed: this is not just another failed CAADAC licensure bill!   We want to let you know that along with the incredibly skillful guidance of our lobbyist, Willie Guerrero, at Kahn, Soares and Conway, your legislative committee removed all of the influential opposition to the bill and, if it weren't for the dismal financial situation of California, all indications were that licensure would have become law this year.  To let you know just how dismal the financial situation is, there were about 68 bills heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday, the cost of which totaled about 6 billion dollars.  Only about 20 bills passed -- with a total price tag to the state of 1.5 million! Willie Guerrero summed it up for us in this way: 

The Appropriations Committee hearing for AB 1367, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Licensing Law is set for January 24, 2007 at 8:30am. The CAADAC Legislative Committee will represent CAADAC at the meeting.  You are also welcome to attend!  State Capital Building, Sacramento, CA Room 4202.

The process of government by which bills are considered and laws enacted is commonly referred to as the Legislative Process. The California State Legislature is made up of two houses: the Senate and the Assembly. There are 40 Senators and 80 Assembly Members representing the people of the State of California. The Legislature has a legislative calendar containing important dates of activities during its two-year session. 

"Calling all CAADAC Members, Students and Certificants!"

The hearing for AB 1367, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Licensing Law is set for January 15, 2008 with the Assembly Business and Professions Committee. The hearing will commence at 9:00 am in Room 447 of the State Capitol in Sacramento CA. (The State Capital building is located on 10th and L Street - a link to the map is below.)

 CA State Capital Map

All letters of support have been submitted, however, if your legislator is listed below; please take a couple of minutes to call him/her and request his/her vote to support AB 1367.

Click here for Talking Points to assist you with the call. We look forward to seeing you at the State Capital on January 15th!

Join us on October 30, 2007 in Monterey Park, California when the Assembly Business and Professions Committee will convene to explore all issues concerning licensure of addiction counselors and take testimony from experts and stakeholders relative to our licensure proposal, Assembly Bill  1367 authored by Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier. 

CAADAC MEMBERS… IT’S TIME TO SUIT UP AND SHOW UP!

Let’s provide a spirited debate and huge attendance at this hearing!

When:            October 30, 2007   

Time:             9:00 am – 3:00 pm   

Where:          Monterey Park City Council Chambers

                       320 W. Newmark Avenue   

                       Monterey Park, CA.

Nearby Hotels:       

Lincoln Plazal .4 miles from the hearing location.

123 South Lincoln Avenue

Monterey Park, CA 91755

1(800) 557-8999

Nearest major airport:

Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)

*Average Room $85.00 per night

Comfort Inn:  2 Miles from the hearing location

588 S Atlantic Blvd

Monterey Park, CA 91754

626-308-9600

Nearest major airport:

Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)

CAADAC is now organizing materials and witnesses for an interim study committee focused on the profession of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling. This hearing will allow us to highlight for legislators the various problems associated with the provision of addiction counseling services in our great state – particularly in the private arena.CAADAC is now organizing materials and witnesses for an interim study committee focused on the profession of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling. This hearing will allow us to highlight for legislators the various problems associated with the provision of addiction counseling services in our great state – particularly in the private arena.