What legislators are saying about the 2023 session

WFIU | By Nathan Moore

Published February 6, 2023 at 9:01 PM EST

Some lawmakers said they are concerned with the scope of flexibility for schools that participate in the pilot program, especially when it comes to collective bargaining. Participating schools could choose to forgo the collective bargaining process.

Improving Indiana’s public health is a focus of this year’s session at the Statehouse. 

Sen. Eric Bassler (R-39) said he’s focusing on mental health. He says many jails have been providing mental health treatment, however, they lack the proper means and funds to do so. 

“Too many of the people that they’re housing are mental health challenges not criminal challenges per se,” Bassler said.

LISTEN TO: The 2023 session for the Indiana General Assembly is underway 

Bassler said jails are not meant to serve as mental health facilities and he wants proper funding for them. Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-40) agreed that mental health is a top priority for the state.  

“Many of the local communities turned to more of a corrections approach to mental health and that has not served Hoosiers well,” Yoder said.

Both Bassler and Yoder said Senate Bill 1 will provide more access to mental health centers around the state and will expand the community mental health model.