BILL NUMBER:  AB 217
  VETOED	DATE: 10/11/2009




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 217 without my signature.

The author and I share the goal to improve alcohol, drug screening
and brief intervention services in the Medi-Cal population.  In fact,
I proposed to include screening and brief intervention services in
my 2008 May Revision.  While this proposal was ultimately rejected, I
appreciate the author's continued efforts to include this important
service in our state's Medicaid program.

Clinical data shows that screening and brief interventions reduce
avoidable health problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse,
including emergency room utilization as well as reducing substance
use-related arrests and traffic violations.  Unfortunately, this bill
contains several significant problems that prevent its
implementation and put the state General Fund at risk.

I would urge the author to work with my Administration to secure a
feasible proposal in next year's budget process.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger