CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) -- In testimony to Nevada lawmakers, state officials listed hard realities, tough choices and increased waiting lists among issues they face as a result of Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposed budget cuts to mental health services.

Funding for state mental health services would decrease 5 percent, to $473 million, although overall human services spending, accounting for about a third of the state's general funds for the coming two fiscal years, is up.

Gibbons has proposed closing 11 of the state's 21 rural mental health clinics, and increasing the number of patients per staff member at mental health facilities in Reno and Las Vegas. Along with the elimination of several program staff positions, some custodial and administrative staff also would be cut.

Dr. Harold Cook, head of the state Mental Health and Developmental Services Division, said the reductions will mean longer waits for service, fewer job and training programs and possible elimination of services such as life-skill activities.

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