MADISON–Representative Robyn Vining introduced the “Mental Healthcare is Healthcare” legislative package of 9 bills today to expand mental health access for Wisconsinites. These 9 bills are in addition to LRB-1684 introduced last week to train mental health professionals on the rights of LGBTQIA+ youth. Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement:
“Every Wisconsinite deserves access to the mental healthcare that they need. I am committed to fighting for mental health access, especially as mental health funding and services are cut at the state and federal levels. At a time when we have both a $4B+ state surplus, and a tremendous rainy day fund, the Wisconsin legislature has the opportunity–and I would propose the responsibility–to step up to meet this moment and address the mental health needs of Wisconsinites. We know the need is significant, affecting every corner of Wisconsin, and I believe we have the responsibility to do a better job connecting Wisconsinites with the mental healthcare that they deserve.
“These nine bills include:
LRB-1677: Requires health insurance to cover mental health visits
LRB-1681: Awards school-based mental health grants to school districts
LRB-1680: Expands state aid for schools to hire mental health professionals
LRB-1683: Pays prospective school social workers during their internship
LRB-1682: Provides grants to racial minority groups to become school social workers
LRB-0013: Provides grants to schools to hire racially diverse mental health professionals
LRB-1700: Trains teachers in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
LRB-1678: Brings more federal Medicaid funds to schools
LRB-1691: Invests in the mental health needs of college students
“It is time that this legislature invests in the mental health and well-being of Wisconsinites. This package gives legislators an opportunity to finally do what is needed to address the mental health needs of Wisconsinites. Mental healthcare is healthcare, and these bills help Wisconsin move forward, together.”
