The chairman of a Legislative committee looking at behavioral health issues says her committee will first look at what the state already has for behavioral health – to find out if that’s an effective use of state money.
"What are the effective programs, what works and what are the holes," said State Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo), chairman of the interim Human Services Committee. "Until we're very confident the current system is effective, I don't think we want to invest more money."
Hogan says lawmakers know all the needs aren’t being met. She says once those needs are identified, the money will be there. Hogan calls it a massive undertaking.
"I like to say it's the 1000 piece puzzle," said Hogan. "We probably have 50 good pieces, and the rest still have to be developed."
Hogan says it could take another 4 to 6 years to get what she called a good plan in place.
"We have to have that solid vision first," said Hogan.
