Richard Moody reports in Columbia-Greene Media that Rep. John Faso (R-Kinderhook) now wants more funding for mental health services. He sent a letter to the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee March 14 asking to prioritize mental health funding. Currently, the Appropriations Committee has not authorized funding for several mental health program under the 21st Century Cures Act. “Being someone who has mental illnesses I know it affects a lot of things,” said Lance Fongemie, of Hudson. “I think Congress needs to do more.... I know budgeting is tough. A lot of people fall through the cracks who could be helped. I have insurance, but some people do not have financial means to get help.” Faso echoed those comments. “Strengthening mental health programs is of vital significance and Congress made substantial progress in this area in the 21st Century Cures Act,” Faso said. “Unfortunately, due to the constant short-term budget measures, not every improvement made has been implemented. This letter demonstrates a strong bipartisan desire to prioritize these programs in the next must-pass government spending bill.” Last December Faso voted to overturn a policy that stopped people who have mental health conditions that make working and managing their own affairs difficult from purchasing guns. Read the full story at HudsonValley360.com.