Idaho governor highlights $50M investment in BH

Abstract

Idaho Gov. Brad Little and other state officials on Tuesday highlighted one of the state's largest‐ever investments in behavioral health care, the Associated Press reported April 5. The Republican governor in a ceremonial event that included Idaho Supreme Court justices and lawmakers marked the $50 million approved by the Legislature in a series of appropriations bills this year that Little has already signed into law. “Our goal is to do intervention early enough to where these problems aren't these big problems,” Little said. “That we can recognize behavioral health issues early on and address those early, and that will lower the cost of everything. But most importantly, it will improve our quality of life here in Idaho.” The money targets areas recommended by the Idaho Behavioral Health Council, comprised of members from all three branches of state government. The council has sought to improve access to mental health resources and improve outcomes. The $50 million is spread over a handful of appropriations bills and passed with large margins, but with far right‐wing lawmakers tending to vote against them. The money includes a mix of federal coronavirus relief funds as well as general fund money. Little called it “a very successful passage of significant bills that will enhance the delivery of much‐needed behavioral health services across the state.”