Statement by Mr. Philip Battaglia,
Executive Secretary to Governor Ronald Reagan, to the Senate Standing Committee
on Business and Professions [re: Mental Hospitals]
I would like to thank
you for the opportunity to testify before this committee and to assure you that
the Governor’s Office is always willing to assist legislative committees in
seeking out the truth. All you have to
do is ask us. Subpoenas are not necessary.
I would like to point
out, however, that some of the testimony given this morning did not appear to
be concerned with the facts, but was, unfortunately, based on a certain amount
of emotionalism.
Any statement – whether
it is here in this committee or elsewhere – that directly or indirectly implies
that there is a lack of concern for human needs by this administration is not
only false but is the type of emotional outcry that disregards the facts.
As you have heard from
Spencer Williams, this administration’s proposals in regard to the Department
of Mental Hygiene are based on the premise that present levels of care will be
maintained. Comments to the contrary are
not true.
For example, a statement
this morning was said to have been based on facts but admittedly contained
rumors. From these false rumors,
predictions were made on what would occur in the future – predictions that
cannot be based on facts. Such
presentations do a disservice to this committee, to the State of
In addition, I would
like to point out that irresponsible statements concerning the alleged
“shattering of employee morale” are geared to cause such a shattering. They accomplish absolutely no positive
effect.
I also would like to
note that this administration intends to proceed with a positive program aimed
at effecting economies for the taxpayers of
We urgently request that
this committee consider the facts – facts minus rumors, innuendoes, and
emotionalism. We are confident that when
the facts are known, the administration’s program for the Department of Mental
Hygiene will be agreeable to the Legislature and the people of