Changes to Milwaukee County mental health care system proposed

MADISON -- Republican State Representative Joe Sanfelippo and Republican State Senator Leah Vukmir announced plans to change how mental health care is provided in Milwaukee County. Their plan puts control of the system in the hands of a board of mental health professionals appointed by the Governor.

Both state lawmakers call the current system controlled by Milwaukee County broken. They say their proposal will take the politics out of the administration of mental health in the county. \"This is already a mandated program. This isn't about more or less government,\" says Vukmir. \"It's about better government. It's about smarter government. Putting people in a position who understand the research and understand best practices and making the best decisions.\"

Both Sanfelippo and Vukmir say their proposal has the support of Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, a Democrat.