As the country continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governors have highlighted the need to continue to invest in and support the health and well-being of their constituents through this year’s State of the State addresses. Issues at the top of mind for Governors include investing in the healthcare workforce, developing policy to improve maternal and child health outcomes, as well as expanding behavioral health services and supports.
The highlights outlined here represent key themes that emerged from a scan of 2023 State of the State addresses as well as budget submissions delivered by state and territorial Governors.
A link to each Governors’ address is available on the NGA 2023 State of the State page located here.
Behavioral Health
Addressing behavioral health, including mental health and substance use disorder, continues to be a top priority for Governors. Over half of the Governors addressed mental health as a top priority for their administration, and over one-third of Governors committed their support to combating substance use disorder and overdose during their annual State of the State addresses. Policy priorities denoted in their statements include expanding…
