Congresswoman Escobar Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Mental Health Services at Schools

This week, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) co-sponsored the bipartisan Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act. Led by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Jahana Hayes (CT-5), this legislation would address the urgent need for mental health professionals in schools.

"Our children need support and mental health access and services more than ever. The Trump administration, which has prioritized war with Iran and tax breaks for billionaires, has slashed federal funding for mental health professionals at schools," said Congresswoman Escobar. "Access to mental health resources and professionals isn't a luxury - it's a necessity, and there's still more work we need to do to help our nation's kids. I'm proud to join this legislation to undo the Trump administration's damaging cuts."

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act - legislation which Congresswoman Escobar voted for -provided $500 million in additional funding for this critical program through fiscal year 2026. However, the Trump Administration recently canceled $1 billion for mental health services for children, saying that the programs funded by a bipartisan law aimed at stemming gun violence in schools were no longer in "the best interest of the federal government."

Specifically, the Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act would:

• Assist in hiring school-based mental health services providers to provide school-based mental health services to students and implement evidence-based practices to improve school climate.
• Implement strategies to recruit and retain school-based mental health services providers through salary stipends, relocation benefits, professional development opportunities, and other incentives.
• Supplement, not supplant non-Federal funds that would otherwise be used for school-based mental health services