Rep. J.T. Wilcox says the governor must explain strategy

January 13, 2016

At least one lawmaker at the statehouse is calling on the governor to bring a strategy to the table.  Governor Jay Inslee is requesting more money for mental health in the state.  But Republican J.T. Wilcox says the money is there.  What is missing is a plan.  Ruth Johnson reports from Olympia.

Johnson:  When the budget was approved last year, it included millions in funding for mental health.  Wilcox says getting the money was only one part of an equation that has yet to add up.

Wilcox: “We funded 90 new beds.  The governor asked for 30.  Only 15 have been provided at this point.  This is not just a political problem or a budget problem.  It's a human tragedy.”

Johnson: Wilcox says the question now isn't to put millions more in the budget, as the governor is proposing, it's wisely spending what is already there.  

Wilcox:  “It's critical that the governor come in and explain to everybody what is the strategy, how are they going to execute it, we don't want to waste taxpayer's money, but more important, we don't want to waste lives that are already being damaged because we can't comply with even federal standards at this point.”

The House and Senate Republicans said again in a press conference after the governor's State of the State speech, that they will approve no new taxes this session.

Ruth Johnson, Olympia.