Michigan state Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township) is blasting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s move to slash a litany of items from a budget proposal that had already been approved by the legislature, including Whiteford's own proposal for a mental health hotline.
“I’m astounded by the lack of regard our governor has for the needs of our mental health community,” Whiteford, chair of the Department of Health and Human Services budget subcommittee, said in a press release. “This mental health hotline would be a huge asset to the people of Michigan who don’t know where to turn when experiencing a mental health crisis.”
A registered nurse by trade, Whiteford said she knows all too well how vital it is that such services be made available to the public.
Michigan state Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township)
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“I’ve seen the great need for greater mental health care funding,” she said. “There is a clear disregard here for our state’s most vulnerable people who rely on state assistance to get the care they need. I am truly disappointed by the decisions that this governor has made. She has prioritized politics over the health and welfare of the people of our state. Michigan families deserve better.”
Whiteford also took exception with Whitmer’s decision to cut $1 million in funding that was to be used to provide counseling and trauma needs for foster care children; another $1 million for school-based health centers, and almost $11 million earmarked for mental health professionals who work with children and other vulnerable citizens.
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