Governor proposes millions for mental health services

SEATTLE (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee's new budget proposal includes more than $137 million for the state's beleaguered mental health system.

The funding comes as the state is trying to comply with a federal court order that requires it to provide timely competency services to mentally ill defendants.

And the state's largest psychiatric hospital is under threat of losing federal funds because of safety concerns.

Inslee's budget would add registered nurses at Western State Hospital. It also proposes salary increases and bonuses for psychiatrists and psychiatric staff.