Rep. Peter Courtney

April 10, 2013 — Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, teamed up with Sen. Brian Boquist, R-McMinnville, on Tuesday to press for Senate Bill 823, a broad-sweeping set of policy guidelines aimed at providing more comprehensive and proactive community mental health across the state of Oregon.

Leaders of the House and Senate have boosted support for the EASA program, which assists youth after a psychotic break. Gov. Kitzhaber has earmarked a $1.8 million increase for the program, while the dramatic increase envisioned by Sen. Peter Courtney awaits a funding source