I cannot believe I'm saying this, but...

Perhaps Alex's suggestion of cutting short sentences for drug offenders and getting them out of the system is a good idea at this point.

Or perhaps offer a trade that requires them to agree to appear weekly at designated treatment programs (AA meetings, etc.) for the duration of their sentences in exchange for early release.

I think they should up the tax on petrol so that you guys are paying the same as us (US$3.60 per Gallon) - that would clear the shortfall in no time ! :evil:

I personally know a lot of people that are living happy, healthy, productive lives due to this program. None of those three adjectives would describe their lives if they were without meds. It is different here because we are talking about cutting medication which is literally life-saving. What kind of a government is this that effectively and knowingly kills it citizens?

Yeah, well the budget won't be decided until July 1 ... so please everyone call your elected Sacramento representatives to tell them to oppose cuts to these programs. Even reps who are opposed to the cuts need to be urged to make opposing them a top priority. If you're a supporter (or just wanna pretend to be one), it helps to let them know that your continued voting and financial support depends on their stance and strength of stance on this issue that is,for once, quite literally life and death.