Haslam’s Budget Amendment to Increase State Funding of Mental Health Services

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has filed an amendment with the General Assembly that adjusts next year’s budget proposal to account for new estimates on increased state revenues. The supplemental appropriations amendment (SB2090/HB2139) includes funding for programs not included in the governor’s budget proposal back in March.

"I am pleased that because of increased revenue collections my administration is able to make strategic investments in valuable programs to assist some of Tennessee's most vulnerable citizens," Haslam said. "This budget amendment improves our original proposal not only with funds for key projects and services, but we also continue to reduce spending and preserve our savings."

The budget amendment provides the Tennessee Department of Mental Health with $1.9 million in grant funds for uninsured inpatient mental health treatment services at several private psychiatric hospitals in East Tennessee.

"This budget amendment will help cover the cost of treating uninsured mentally ill patients locally rather than sending them to Lakeshore Mental Health Institute in Knoxville,” said Tennessee Department of Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney.  “Such funding will allow these private hospitals to continue to serve many uninsured residents closer to their homes and families."

The budget amendment is expected to go before the General Assembly this week for consideration.