SIMS: Stances make sense

Kathy Sims, Rep. 4th District, Seat 2 is doing her job well. So, why did she vote against Senate Bill 1352 entitled “Behavioral Health Community Crisis Centers?” First the language of the bill is problematic. For example, state funding appears to be for the initial set up only. The bill states, (parenthesis comments mine) “Communities that receive state funding to establish a crisis center shall (must) to the extent possible (how much?) contribute financial or in-kind support (philanthropy or taxes?) to the development and operation of the crisis center.”

Secondly, the centers are to be open 24/7, 365 days, for voluntary clients who are to be de-escalated, stabilized and referred for follow-up — all within 24 hours. A board of directors (how determined?) is to operate the facility and specific professionals are mandated. Whew! This short bill is packed with unknowns as well as expensive specifics. (Read the bill under the above title.)

Kathy Sims is a realist. The bill needed revision before passage. Maybe more meaningful service would be provided if the clinics were connected to local hospitals; or if more than 24 hours were allowed; or if involuntary admitting was included (meaning admitted by another person because of danger to self or to others). As you know, Idaho’s Crisis Center will be built in Idaho Falls. Maybe more clinics could have been established if the bill had been revised. Yes, Kathy Sims was justified in voting against 1352. This is an example of her wise governance, consideration of various bills and concern for the best for we taxpayers. Vote for Kathy Sims Nov. 4!

MARY SMITH

Coeur d’Alene