Budget Writers Approve Funding 2 Crisis Centers, One Could be in Twin Falls

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State budget writers have found a way to finance two crisis centers in southern Idaho to serve as a safety net to treat at-risk mentally ill people whose symptoms often land them in hospitals or jail.

The Joint Finance Appropriations Committee voted 16-2 on Wednesday to divert nearly $1.5 million to fund two crisis centers that will likely be located in Boise and Twin Falls. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has repeatedly argued such centers are a cheaper, more effective way of getting people the help they need.

However, the Republican governor only requested funding one center during his annual State of the State address to lawmakers at the beginning of the session.