Proposed State Budget Amendment Could Restore In-Person School Mental Health Services, CSB Told

At the Feb. 12 committee meeting, members discussed a state budget amendment introduced by Del. Josh Thomas that would explicitly include "in-person" services in the language governing school-based mental health grants. Committee members were told a prior change in the budget language rendered Hanover ineligible for a state grant that had previously funded clinician positions added with grant support.

Ivy Sager told the committee she has discussed the amendment with the Executive Director of Goochland‑Powhatan CSB, which worked with Del. Thomas's office, and with Jennifer Faison of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB). The committee discussed options for supporting the amendment if it appears in the House budget, and members noted that even if adopted, there could be a delay before funds become available and that would likely not benefit the coming school year.

Committee members did not take formal action on the amendment at the Feb. 12 meeting; staff said they will monitor the amendment's progress and lead targeted advocacy if it reaches the budget conference committee.