SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Yesterday, the Minnesota House Human Services Finance Committee advanced legislation carried by Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL-Apple Valley) to increase investments in school-linked behavioral health services.
“All Minnesota students deserve a quality education and one that bridges gaps for children who can’t access the mental health treatment they need to thrive due to transportation needs, busy schedules, and open therapy times during non-school hours,” said Rep. Bierman. “School-linked behavioral health services help eliminate these barriers.”
HF 564 appropriates funds in 2024 and 2025 to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for children’s school-linked behavioral health services. At least 25% of the new funding must be targeted to providers that can serve schools with the highest percentage of special education students categorized as having an emotional and behavioral disorder or living in poverty. The bill requires DHS to ensure that grants are distributed to rural and urban counties.
The bill’s next stop is the House Education Finance Committee.
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