Lawmakers call a $1.25 billion investment in Oregon's behavioral health system 'historic'

Oregon lawmakers passed massive back-to-back investment packages in the state's mental and behavioral health system in the 2021 and 2022 legislative session, leveraging state general funds and federal dollars for a combined total of $1.25 billion.Lawmakers have described the investments as "historic" and the beginning of an effort to turn around a neglected system. Oregon state Senator Kate Lieber, D-Portland, and Rep. Rob Nosse, D-Portland, are co-leaders of the Oregon Legislature's Joint Budget Committee, and they helped lead the way to pass both packages.The two lawmakers joined this week's episode of KGW's Straight Talk to discuss how the money will be invested and the difference they think it could make for Oregonians struggling with mental health and addiction issues.