Join the Fight: Nessel Takes Action Against Trump’s Cuts to School Mental Health Funding

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is stepping into the spotlight again, this time by joining a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit focuses on the cuts made by his administration to school mental health programs.

After the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress made a significant move by allocating $1 billion to increase mental health professionals in schools. This funding was supposed to help school districts across the country, including in Michigan, where organizations like the Michigan Department of Education and Grand Valley State University were set to receive grants.

However, in April, the U.S. Department of Education suddenly announced these funds would be cut, claiming they conflicted with the Trump administration’s goals. Nessel and over a dozen other state attorneys general are challenging this decision, arguing that it violates federal laws and the Constitution. They are asking a federal judge to declare the cuts illegal and to restore the funding.

Nessel emphasizes that Michigan already faces a shortage of mental health providers, and these cuts will worsen the situation. “Mental health should be a priority for any administration, especially for our students,” she stated. “Cutting approved funding is not only illegal; it’s irresponsible. The mental health crisis in our schools will only deepen without these resources.”

This lawsuit comes after the former administration rescinded nearly $7 billion in federal grants. This money was allocated for various educational programs, from helping English language learners to offering professional development for teachers.

According to a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 1 in 5 students experience mental health issues, yet only 17% of schools have enough staff to meet these needs. This underlines the importance of restoring funding for mental health support in schools.

As Nessel and others continue their fight, it’s clear that mental health in education remains a critical issue that needs urgent attention. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for students’ well-being in Michigan and beyond.



Source link