Bill O'Brien slams Frank Guinta after congressman pleads for increased mental health funding
Speaking before the annual conference of the New Hampshire affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness last week, Congressman Frank Guinta made an emotional plea for increased state funding to help treat those with mental illness.
Guinta, who has been a caregiver to a family member with mental illness for the last 20 years, sharply criticised the state budget proposal recently approved by House Republicans. “I’ve been watching over the last several months, as you have, what’s been going on with the state budget process, and quite frankly, I think it’s appalling and embarrassing,” he said.
“I have no problem saying that publicly or privately, and I have no problem making sure every state legislator understands the need and the importance of not just delivering the proper amount of funds,” Guinta continued, “but making sure that we are in a position to properly deliver so we can provide dignity and respect and opportunity for everyone and anyone who is affected by mental illness.”
Former House Speaker Bill O'Brien, who is identified as House Republican Leader on the N.H. GOP website, took offense.
“Well, when it comes to the exploitation of women, our Republican U.S. Senator made clear last week that she is no social conservative,” O’Brien wrote on Facebook, referring to the arrest of Sen. Kelly Ayotte’s aide, Dave Wihby, in a prostitution sting.
“Now comes along our Republican U.S. Representative who, it appears, wants it understood that he is no fiscal conservative. And that’s not just when he is voting to extend debt ceilings,” continued O’Brien. “I sure would like to have some conservatives representing me in Washington.”