Perdue Calls for Mental Health Spending in State of the State Address

By Walter Jones
Savannah Morning News
Savannahnow.com
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January 13, 2010

ATLANTA - Gov. Sonny Perdue announced few legislative proposals this morning during his State of the State Address to a joint session of the General Assembly, other than a $70 million increase in spending for the disabled.

He spent most of the 45-minute oration reminding legislators that the country had seen tougher times than the after-effects of the recent recession. And he offered praise for teachers and state workers who were working harder despite the budget cuts and layoffs that have hit every agency.

The only area of spending increase announced is in the Department of Behavioral Health which was created last year. The current budget will rise $20 million and the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 will jump another $50 million.

“Yes, it will cost more money, but I am confident that it will result in better outcomes for patients and we will all sleep better at night,” he said. “We have a moral obligation to serve those with disabilities.”

He acknowledged that the federal government has warned the state that its operation of the state’s seven mental hospitals violates standards. He said the problems began before his term started seven years ago.

To state workers, he told them to continue serving the public even though their resources are limited.

“I have noticed it, and more importantly your fellow Georgians have noticed it,” he said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The speech didn’t outline details of his budget recommendations, despite lagging tax collections that could require cuts of as much as $1.5 billion. He said he will release his spending blueprint Friday.

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