FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D- Minnesota) announced his plans to introduce a bill that would help prisoners who are mentally ill.

At a press conference, Sen. Franken talked about The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act that is set to be introduced in the U.S. House and Senate.

Sen. Franken said better mental health care is needed in the criminal justice system to protect people from re–offending and to help with financial burdens.

"We can save money and have better outcomes when we do this right," Sen. Franken said.

The bill would also invest more into the treatment of veterans who suffer form mental illnesses.