Today, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) attended a press conference calling for an increase in funding for the mental hygiene system in this year’s final budget. The conference was hosted by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, chairwoman of the Assembly Mental Hygiene Committee, at the Million Dollar Staircase in the State Capitol.

The Assembly one-house budget proposal included a restoration of a 2.9 percent cost of living adjustment across the human services field, an additional two percent raise for direct-care workers in the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health and Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, and also included an additional $10 million in funding for mental health supported housing.

“Whether it is participating in a rally for BFair2DirectCare or advocating for an increase in support for mental health programs in our schools, it is an honor to speak out on behalf of the individuals who benefit from and provide these important services,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh. “I am proud to serve as a member of the Assembly Committee on Mental Hygiene, and applaud Chairwoman Aileen Gunther for her continued leadership on the issues facing the mental health system in New York State.”