Democrats’ plan to weaken involuntary commitment is pure insanity
New York’s Legislature recently made a controversial decision that has sparked outrage among residents and officials alike. Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams had pushed for a change in the budget law to make it easier to involuntarily commit individuals who are deemed dangerously mentally ill and pose a risk to themselves or others. However, the state Senate and Assembly rejected this proposal, leaving many concerned about the safety of the public.
One of the main issues at hand is the vague language in the current law, which often leads to healthcare providers being hesitant to intervene and commit individuals who clearly exhibit signs of being a danger to society. Tragic cases like Waldo Mejia, who set a building on fire and later stabbed a 14-year-old boy to death, and Jamar Banks, who stabbed two people on the subway despite a history of arrests and mental health concerns, highlight the urgent need for a more effective system for dealing with the mentally ill.
Governor Hochul’s proposal aimed to expand the involuntary commitment standard and provide clearer guidelines for healthcare providers. This would have been a crucial step towards getting individuals in need the help they require. However, Speaker Carl Heastie’s decision to omit this proposal from the budget was met with criticism, with many viewing it as a missed opportunity to address a pressing issue.
The Senate’s suggestion to raise the standard for involuntary commitment to only those who present an “imminent risk of serious physical harm” is concerning. This would essentially mean waiting until an individual has already engaged in violent behavior before taking action, which could have disastrous consequences.
The debate surrounding mental health care is a complex one, with progressives advocating for better access to treatment for all individuals. However, when it comes to individuals with serious mental illnesses, there seems to be a reluctance to intervene forcefully. This contradictory stance has left many questioning the priorities of those in power.
As residents navigate the streets and subways of New York, the decision by the Legislature to reject measures aimed at addressing the issue of dangerously mentally ill individuals has raised concerns about public safety. The potential for more tragic incidents to occur in the future is a stark reality that cannot be ignored. It is imperative that lawmakers revisit this issue and prioritize the well-being of all residents.
