Washington, D.C. — Congressman Mike Lawler has collaborated with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to introduce the Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to help schools provide necessary mental health services to students, particularly in underserved communities and under-resourced districts.
Joining Krishnamoorthi and Lawler in this effort are Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman Greg Landsman, and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum.
“Students across the country are facing a growing mental health crisis,” said Congressman Lawler. “The Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act will help break down barriers to care.”
Congressman Krishnamoorthi added, “Our school systems are lifelines of support when young people need mental health care.” He emphasized that the bill aims to equip American school districts better.
“The youth mental health crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time,” stated Congressman Fitzpatrick. He highlighted the bill’s focus on delivering targeted resources for underserved communities.
Congressman Landsman noted his personal experience as a former teacher: “Getting students better access to mental health resources is so important.”
“As a mom of four,” Congresswoman Bynum expressed her support for providing essential mental health services in schools. She stressed the importance of investing in America’s youth for their success.
The proposed legislation would facilitate partnerships between public schools and community-based mental health providers by establishing a grant program through the Department of Education. It also supports hiring and training school mental health professionals and creating referral pathways to community providers while expanding tele-mental health options.
The initiative has received endorsements from prominent organizations such as the School Superintendents Association (AASA) and National Association of Social Workers.
Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District and was recognized as an effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.
