LINCOLN- Governor Pillen made an unexpected appearance at a hearing recently to deliver personal testimony in support for LB276. LB276 is sponsored by Senator Wishart, a Democrat. The bill would enable the creation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model in Nebraska through the Medicaid program. The bill has been touted as “transformational” in improving quality and access to care. It would create centers in six communities across the state.

Former Governor Ricketts only testified on one bill from a Democrat in his term, and his long-time press aide, Taylor Gage, delivered the testimony. Pillen’s testimony, observers said, is illustrative of his willingness to meet with political opponents, and work out differences, on some issues. Wishart said she was grateful for the support from the governor. She said “bipartisan support” will be “critical” in tackling the state’s problems with providing mental and behavioral health care.

Governors often testify in support of bills they ask to be introduced by state senators, but it is rare for them to appear at committee hearings on bills they didn’t request. “Mental health and substance abuse are tough problems. We also need more mental health specialists,” Pillen said.

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