Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead) attended the Mental Hygiene public budget hearing in Albany on Wednesday.

The hearings bring together lawmakers, providers, advocates and state agencies to review funding priorities, service gaps and long-term system capacity across New York. During the hearings, Giglio emphasized several priorities:

• Workforce shortages: Addressing staffing vacancies among psychiatrists, therapists, nurses and direct-care workers, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
• Access to crisis care: Ensuring crisis stabilization programs and mobile response teams are available statewide so individuals receive treatment instead of entering the criminal justice system.
•  Transparency and accountability: Requiring clearer reporting to confirm that appropriated funds reach community providers and expand capacity rather than remain unspent.
• Youth mental health services: Expanding school-based supports and early intervention programs to address growing needs among children and adolescents.

“Families across our state are struggling to access timely mental health care,” said Giglio. “While we have increased spending in recent years, too many New Yorkers are still waiting months for appointments, sitting in emergency rooms during crises or traveling hours for treatment. Funding must translate into real services people can actually receive. Mental health is not a partisan issue, it’s a public safety, public health and family stability issue. We must make sure taxpayer dollars are producing measurable improvements in access and outcomes, not just promises.”

Giglio noted that testimony gathered during the hearings will guide negotiations for the upcoming state budget and help determine targeted investments aimed at reducing wait times, supporting providers and improving continuity of care.

“I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this year’s budget prioritizes practical solutions and delivers relief to patients, families and providers,” Giglio added.