Gov. Andrew Cuomo has vetoed legislation to keep the Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center open in West Seneca.
The state wants to merge the facility with the Buffalo Psychiatric Center - which serves adults - in order to cut costs. Assemblymember Michael Kearns says the children are the losers today.
"And, ironically, if you're in the criminal justice system you're going to be separated with Raise the Age. You are going to be separated. Which is good. I don't know why the governor's not using that same logic in a mental health capacity to help our most vulnerable population," Kearns said.
Sen. Patrick Gallivan says it is an "ill-informed and shameful veto" and he's calling on legislative leaders in Albany to schedule a vote to override it.
"An override has not taken place in the legislature since 2006. It's very rare. But, given the circumstance with this, the unanimous support for our legislation, the community's opposition to the closure, the governor's disregard of the merits and disregard of the citizens of Western New York, I think that the circumstances are very unique and I'm hopeful that the legislature will come together to override this."
Kearns is also pushing for an override in his chamber.
