Connecticut teaches have been advocating for more mental health supports in our schools for years, but it’s taken a pandemic to awaken the general public to students’ struggles. The legislature is now considering proposals to increase supports for students, and educators need to continue to tell their stories to get legislation across the finish line.
State Representative Robin Comey, who serves on the legislature’s Education and Children’s Committees, is one of the lawmakers supporting legislation to improve children’s mental health, and she spoke to CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey for the latest episode of CEA’s podcast.
Comey said that, in the wake of the pandemic, and watching what children have gone through, legislators have a new perspective on the issue. She said that legislators like her who are parents shared stories and came to the conclusion that young people’s mental health must be a priority this session.
“House Bill 5001 is really a comprehensive bill encompassing the schools, healthcare settings, insurance eligibility, how we look at screening tools and use them effectively,” Comey said.
Listen to the entire podcast episode with Rep. Comey below, or wherever you get your podcasts, and also watch the two videos below for more from Rep. Comey on why the legislature must increase the number of certified mental health professionals in our schools.
