[Old Professer]

During the Reagan presidency, many loons lost their beds in hospitals and institutions in budget tightening moves. I believe that the definition of "crazy" or "certifiable" was changed, and such people were knocked off the public dole.

I believe you have Reagan's Governorship confused with his Presidency; he did sign a bill releasing "non-violent" inmates while Governor of California, but did so on the advice of his Attorney General because the issue seemed to be prevailing in the courts.

The ACLU was behind this, IIRC.

[PoisedWoman]

I believe you have Reagan's Governorship confused with his Presidency

Could be, as I was in California at the time. Mid-70s.