Bipartisan Referendum Addresses Mental Health Resource Needs

Sangamon County voters will decide March 17 whether to approve a referendum aimed at expanding local mental health and addiction services through the creation of a county mental health board funded by a half percent sales tax. Supporters of the proposal say the measure is designed to increase access to care, reduce pressure on emergency services, and keep local funding decisions within the community.

Under the proposal, the funding would generate an estimated $14.7 million annually for services such as crisis response, case management, treatment access, and housing support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. The funding would remain in Sangamon County and would be directed by a locally appointed mental health board responsible for determining how the resources are distributed to meet community needs.

Thousands of residents in the county face untreated mental illness or addiction, often waiting weeks for appointments or struggling to find services close to home. Expanding local capacity is intended to help connect people with care earlier, before situations escalate into crises that require emergency intervention.

Supporters of the referendum also point to the impact untreated mental health issues can have on the criminal justice system and emergency services. Mental health crises frequently result in 911 calls, emergency room visits, and interactions with the court system. Expanding treatment options locally is expected to help keep individuals out of jails and emergency rooms while reducing repeat calls for service and lowering taxpayer costs associated with emergency care and incarceration.

The proposed sales tax would not apply to groceries or prescription medications. The funding structure is intended to provide a stable source of revenue for prevention and treatment programs rather than relying primarily on costly emergency responses after a crisis occurs.

Several community organizations have voiced support for the measure, including the Sangamon County Medical Society, Sangamon County Farm Bureau, American Legion, SPARC, the Community Health Roundtable, and Senior Services of Central Illinois.

Support for the proposal has also been framed as a bipartisan effort. In a video released ahead of the election, former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, a Republican, and Ryan Croke, a Democrat, appear together encouraging residents to support the referendum. In the video, both emphasize that the need for expanded mental health services is an issue that crosses party lines and affects communities throughout Sangamon County.

Early voting for the election is currently underway in Sangamon County. Voters who wish to participate without voting in a party primary may request a referendum-only ballot, which allows them to vote solely on the mental health question without declaring a political party. Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray said residents have multiple opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.

“Early voting continues to be a convenient option for voters who want to avoid lines on Election Day,” Gray said. “Our office encourages anyone who is interested in the referendum or any other races on the ballot to take advantage of early voting or vote on March 17.”

Early voting is available at the Sangamon County Election Office, located at 200 South Ninth Street in Springfield. Beginning Saturday, March 7, voters can cast ballots from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by expanded hours on Sunday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early voting will then continue Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday, March 16 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters may also cast ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, March 17, at their regular polling place.