ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says the state needs to pay for upgrades and staff increases at its mental health facilities.
Employees at the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center and the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter have reported staff shortages and a surge in workplace injuries from violent patients. The situation at Anoka-Metro is so dire that it may lose federal funding.
Dayton on Wednesday urged legislators to pass his proposals that boost staffing at the two psychiatric facilities. A separate public construction bill would provide funding to complete ongoing renovations at St. Peter and pay for safety upgrades at Anoka-Metro.
Dayton says those critical needs can’t fall below other, more attractive spending priorities.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.