Madison, WI – Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) voted for a package of bills yesterday that will make several important reforms related to mental health in Wisconsin. After passage of the bills, he released the following statement:

“We should want everyone in Wisconsin to have access to quality care for their mental health. A mental health crisis can affect anyone and requires a multi-pronged approach. That’s why I was happy to vote for legislation like Assembly Bill 541 to improve accessibility of telehealth services. There are many areas of our state that are underserved when it comes to finding mental health professionals. By expanding telehealth services for out-of-state mental health professionals to practice through telehealth, we are making it easier for Wisconsinites to get the support they need.

“Another part of the mental health package that I was proud to vote for was Assembly Bill 573. This bill creates a pilot program to provide training to police officers so that they can have the skills to support those who are in a mental health crisis. A crucial element of this bill is 24/7 remote access to mental health professionals for law enforcement when they arrive at a scene. It is another tool for law enforcement to use when they are dealing with someone who is suffering from a mental health crisis. 

“Lastly, I voted for Assembly Bill 576 to establish peer support and critical incident stress management service teams. These teams will provide support to public safety employees during times of personal and professional crisis. This kind of support from peers is necessary for our first responders because of the dangerous situations they confront on a regular basis. This bill will make sure those who are always there when we are in an emergency get help when they need it.

“I hope the State Senate passes these bills and Governor Evers signs them into law.”