State Senate unanimously approves bill to reform Milwaukee County mental health

This is great news for anyone who believes decisions on mental health should be made by medical professionals, not politicians.

A bill to put a board of medical professionals — instead of politicians — in charge of Milwaukee County’s embattled mental health system won unanimous approval Tuesday in the state Senate.

The measure now moves to the Assembly where it is expected to pass easily next week. It then would go to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature. Walker has likened Milwaukee’s system to “a natural disaster” and declared “it’s time for dramatic action.”

On a 33-0 vote, the Senate approved the measure to strip the County Board of oversight and establish a board of medical and other professionals to set policy and oversee funding. It also requires the state to conduct an audit of the Mental Health Complex, paving the way for a possible take-over of the facility by the state.

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5 thoughts on “State Senate unanimously approves bill to reform Milwaukee County mental health

  1. Maybe good news. Maybe just a way to move the medical profession away from supporting ACA and into the Republican camp. Will definitely not allow ACA to interfere with the outrageous increases in health cost, nor support better mental health among the poor and middle class who need help most. Walker wins again.

  2. It must be pointed out that governor and county executive, both politicians, are in charge of appointing the board under the new rules. It’s hardly removed from the hands of politicians.

    1. Kind of what I was seeing, just a case of who is actually in control (per WEDC) or who is the ultimate singular authoritarian and who has control of the purse strings for political appointees and staff.

      Thanks for chiming in.

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