Walker proposes $30 million for mental health

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says he will propose increasing funding for mental health services across Wisconsin by $30 million.

Walker told the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Counties Association on Wednesday that he’s been looking into the state’s mental health needs, but the effort took on added urgency following mass shootings in the state and across the country.

Walker will propose the funding in his two-year state budget to be introduced on Feb. 20.

He says the money will go into expanding services statewide that currently are only offered in some counties. That includes coordinated mental health care for juveniles, comprehensive care designed to reduce hospitalizations, and adding inpatient treatment units at the Mendota Mental Health Institute.

Walker says he feels mental health is an area that’s often overlooked.