{"id":42828,"date":"2019-02-08T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-08T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.juneauempire.com\/news\/capitol-live-clock-ticking-as-budget-approaches\/"},"modified":"2019-02-08T16:34:55","modified_gmt":"2019-02-09T01:34:55","slug":"capitol-live-clock-ticking-as-budget-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.juneauempire.com\/news\/capitol-live-clock-ticking-as-budget-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Capitol Live: Private contractor to take over administration at psych institute"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t\t

4:35 p.m. <\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Democratic Anchorage Reps. Ivy Sponholz and Matthew Claman issued written statements in repsonse to Wellpath Recovery Solutions recieving a no-bid contract to run the administration at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

“Clearly, something had to be done at API because staff and patients are in jeopardy. I am cautiously optimistic that the leadership transformation announced today will be successful in turning things around at API,” Spohnholz said. She is the most most recent Chair of the Health and Social Services Committee in the Alaska House. “Further, I look forward to continuing to work with other legislators to provide diligent oversight of API. I hope the Dunleavy administration will accept the necessity of additional funding for behavioral health treatment in Anchorage and throughout Alaska to address our growing safety crisis both at API and in communities across the state.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Claman’s written statement said, “I look forward to a full briefing from the department on this decision. It seems like a reasonable first step to take to address the serious health and public safety concerns at API. Moving forward, my colleagues and I will insist on full transparency to ensure that there is real progress towards improving the daily operations at API. We will work closely with the Commissioner and his team to identify additional funding and resources to improve the situation at our only psychiatric hospital. Many Alaskans need urgent mental health care, and they deserve a facility and staff that can meet those needs safely and professionally.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

— Kevin Baird <\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

4:23 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

State Sen. David Wilson, a Wasilla Republican, released the following written statement, regarding the Department of Health and Social Services new contract with Wellpath Recovery Solutions to manage the beleaguered Alaska Psychiatric Institute. <\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

“I appreciate the Dunleavy administration and (DHSS) Commissioner (Adam) Crum taking swift action to combat these important issues. DHSS quickly identified the limitations to the facility’s current capabilities and accessed the necessary tools and resources to keep patients, workers, and Alaskans safe.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

— Kevin Baird<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

4:10 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

For those looking to provide public comment<\/a> Saturday on the first of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s criminal justice bills<\/a>, the governor’s Twitter account gives the correct numbers to call.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Alaskans: we need your help to repeal and replace SB91. Tomorrow at 1pm the Senate Judiciary committee will be taking public testimony on Senate Bill 32, one of the crime bills that I introduced earlier this month. #AKLeg<\/a> #AKGov<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/RVGRFWLb1T<\/a><\/p>— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) February 9, 2019<\/a><\/blockquote>\n