Mental health care has become a pretty mainstream conversation these days, both at kitchen tables and in New Jersey political circles.

So why isn't it something we've heard more of on the campaign trail leading up to Tuesday's election?

I'm joined now by mental health reporter Bobby Bryer, who looks at how this issue is playing among Republican and Democratic voters this election season.

Bobby, good to sit down with you as always.

What can you tell us about where mental health is falling as a as a priority this election?

And really, frankly, why aren't we hearing more about it?

Yeah, you know, right now we're hearing a lot about issues, whether it's related to offshore wind, abortion or issues surrounding education.

But right now, there's a large consensus both among Republican and Democrats throughout the state that this is an issue that's, of course, important from a policy perspective, but it's maybe not an issue that's driving voters to the polls.

It's really not a wedge issue or a controversial issue that we're going to see more voters come this November 7th.

It's an interesting point because we've certainly seen policy issues become hot button talking point issues during campaigns.

We've seen the Murphy administration really expand a number of programs just kind of talk us through where mental health has fallen in terms of a priority in this administration.

You know, it's become a major priority, especially both during and after the height of the pandemic in this latest state budget.

We've seen millions of dollars go to different programs related to mental health.

Most notably, the Arrived Together program has received well over $10 million in this together.

Is the I'm sorry interrupt to arrive together is the program that pairs a police officer with a mental health professional responding to a nine on one call.

Exactly.

In addition to arrive, we're seeing a lot of money in this latest budget go towards this hub and spoke model this new program to get more mental health to more students across the state.

That's about $43 million.

That's the NJ for us, right?

The the New Jersey statewide Student Support Services program.

Exactly.

Exactly.

And then finally, we're seeing just around $32 million going to continue to fund the 98 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline.

So significant money being spent.

What are you seeing in terms of support from Republican and Democratic members of the New Jersey legislature?

There's been widespread support both on both sides of the aisle, really related to what more can be done to address mental health.

There's been a number of key priorities that Democrats and Republicans have focused on.

One of which that was passed just before the budget was signed into law was a mental health diversion court that would allow folks to be diverted or redirected away from the criminal justice system for a nonviolent offense.

That's just one example where we're seeing a lot of these mental health issues pop up in Trenton.

And whoever is elected this November 7th, Afterwards, we're going to see more of these issues be top priority policies for lawmakers.

So not something that if Republicans were to take over control of one of the houses in New Jersey, we'd likely to see funding decreased for not at this point, I would say, you know, it would certainly be something that would be a top priority among the Republicans that I've spoken to.

And, of course, Democrats have really been pushing this issue as well.

So although it's not a main campaign issue right now, it's certainly going to be a hot topic in Trenton for months to come.

Bobby Brier, great insight, as always.

Thank you.

Thank you, Joanna