Governor Kathy Hochul recently visited Burlington to discuss budget programs, highlighting the connection between mental health and public safety. She emphasized that one-third of individuals in the criminal justice system have unmet mental health needs. Hochul pointed out that the current system is not equipped to address mental health issues and that prisons were not designed to provide treatment. She expressed concern about the cycle of untreated mental illness leading to recidivism and how incarceration can worsen mental health.
During her visit, Hochul announced investments and expansions in the budget, including $33 million specifically allocated to address mental illness within the criminal justice system. She also emphasized increasing funding for mental health facilities and teams in an effort to reduce recidivism rates. Hochul’s overall goal is to break the cycle of untreated mental illness leading to repeated interactions with the criminal justice system.
These initiatives are part of Hochul’s broader focus on mental health and public safety, recognizing the important connection between the two. By investing in mental health resources and support, Hochul hopes to create a system that better addresses the needs of individuals struggling with mental illness and decreases the likelihood of reoffending. These efforts align with Hochul’s commitment to improving the overall well-being of all individuals in the state.