In an interview with KXLH television yesterday, Governor Schweitzer talked about the mental health crisis services bills. We haven’t been able to find a link to the video but a brief print story is available at http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=10309890 , and the same story is also pasted below.
To my knowledge, this is the first time the Governor himself has spoken publicly about the crisis bills. His remarks seem to strongly endorse funding community crisis services. Clearly, Governor Schweitzer has heard you!
A quick legal update: Two funding bills that contain appropriations for HB 130, 131 and 132 were transmitted to the Governor yesterday. The Governor has ten days to act on HB 2 and HB 645. The tenth day is next Friday, May 15th. The Governor can line-item veto any particular appropriation.
I’ve asked a couple of lawmakers and executive branch staff what they think the Governor means when he says that he will “find” the money for the mental health bills; no one knew the answer. The Legislature has already allocated state general fund dollars for these bills in HB 2 and HB 645. However, the Governor remains concerned that the Legislature has grown state spending by too much and that it is necessary to trim some appropriations.
Mental health bills become law without Schweitzer's signature
Posted: May 5, 2009 06:56 PM MDT
Updated: May 5, 2009 06:59 PM MDT
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Reporting for KXLH |
Three bills that seek to make more local treatment available for people in mental-health crises have become law without Governor Brian Schweitzer's signature.
The Governor opposed the bills because they were not in his original budget, but says he may have to make other cuts to the state budget to pay for the bills.
"We'll be looking at the budget to look for places to make up the difference to pay for these mental health bills. We think they're good bills. We think it's a good service for the community. We know that it is going to better service for families who have mental illness in their family. We'll have to find the money some place else," said Schweitzer.
Another bill that became law without Schweitzer's signature was Senate Bill 158, which adds district judges in Yellowstone County, Flathead County, and the district that includes Lewis and Clark and Broadwater counties.
The new judges would take office in 2011.
What you can do now:
Please join us in saying thank you to the Governor for his words of support and for allowing the bills to become law. In politics, criticisms is common while expressions of gratitude are rare. Your thank-you will be appreciated. Call 444-3111 to leave a simple message. There’s additional contact information below.
How to contact the Governor: CALL THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE: 406-444-3111
Send an email to the Governor by using the on-line contact form: http://governor.mt.gov/contact/commentsform.asp
Mail a letter: Governor Brian D. Schweitzer
Office of the Governor
Montana State Capitol Bldg.
P.O. Box 200801
Helena MT 59620-0801
Ø Thank you
Anita Roessmann
anita@disabilityrightsmt.org
