For Immediate Release                                                                                    Contact:  Rep. Paul Tittl

February 15, 2017                                                                                           (608) 266-0315

Committee Passes Rep. Tittl’s Mental Health Bill


Madison:
Today, the Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Sanfelippo (R-New Berlin), passed Assembly Bill 556, a bill authored by Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc). The bill improves the availability of psychiatric care across the state by providing an income tax deduction to new psychiatrists.

 

“Wisconsin has a severe shortage of psychiatrists,” said Rep. Tittl. “The passage of this bill indicates legislators are open to having a meaningful discussion about our options to improve the availability of mental health services to constituents throughout the state.”

 

Some counties in northern Wisconsin do not have a single psychiatrist seeing patients on an outpatient basis.

 

“The Health Committee is sometimes hesitant to spend money, but the current mental health crisis is worth the investment,” said Rep. Sanfelippo.

 

The bill passed along party lines.

 

“I am thankful to the committee members who saw the merits of this bill and voted in favor,” Rep. Tittl said. “It is unfortunate that legislators across the aisle chose to vote against expanding mental health services in Wisconsin.”

 

The bill is now available to be scheduled for a vote before the full Assembly.

 

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