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ALBANY, NY (WENY) — Following her state of the state address a few weeks ago where she promised to expand access to mental health services, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposes $10.5 billion in total system spending for mental health hygiene in the state’s new budget.
“For people who are struggling with mental illness, severe mental illness, they deserve a system that actually works,” Hochul said.
The governor’s budget proposal intends to address mental health care through the expansion of various programs, outpatient services, and inpatient bed capacity.
In upcoming budget hearings, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) said he hopes the developmentally disabled will be a focus.
“Their quality of care and quality of life should be a priority for us, I mean if we’re not taking care of our most vulnerable citizens like the developmentally disabled what does that say about us as a state,” Palmesano said.
Among her mental health budget proposals, Hochul does target investment toward developmental disabilities. These investments propose expanding intensive nursing tasks in non-certified community-based settings and establishing a statewide ombudsman program.
In an email statement to WENY News, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities said these proposals will help ensure New Yorkers with developmental disabilities continue to receive high-quality care.
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