Mental health is a key area of focus at the Statehouse. For many years, Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) has been a champion of this legislation. In 2023, his Senate Bill 1 codifies the structure of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission going forward, makes an appropriation to fund certified community behavioral health clinics and requires the Division of Mental Health and Addiction of the Family and Social Services Administration to establish a help line for those in need. The Senate Appropriations Committee heard testimony on SB 1 last Thursday and is scheduled to amend and vote on the bill this week.
The cost of untreated mental illness to employers is staggering. Hoosier employers lose $885 million annually in lost productivity, and it costs the state $708 million per year in direct health care costs. The Indiana Chamber is happy to see the Legislature taking steps to address this crisis that impacts so many employers and the workforce Indiana businesses rely upon.
Legislation funding the 9-8-8 crisis response center is not currently included in SB 1, but the Chamber is monitoring the funding mechanism closely. We’d like to see a $2.00 per pack cigarette tax be used to fund this important endeavor instead of taxes or fees that would hit the pocketbooks of businesses and individuals.
Ashton Eller is vice president of health care policy and employment law for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. A Hamilton County native, Eller previously served as the Chamber’s manager of political affairs and has been with the organization since 2008.
