Governor Proposes Keeping School Mental Health Awareness Appropriation!
Included in her proposed budget for fiscal year 2021 is the continuation of an ISPA backed appropriation for school mental health training.
Last year lawmakers approved a new $2.1 million appropriation for mental health awareness training for educators and schools; for area education agencies to be used to identify a range of approaches to best meet the mental health needs of students and to strengthen community support for students; and for area education agencies to create a clearinghouse of mental health resources for use by schools and community providers.
It is important to note that the Governor is asking lawmakers to dedicate $3 million dollars to the program for the 2021 fiscal year, an increase of $900,000!
Attend The ISPA / ISSWA Legislative Day At the Iowa Statehouse
Make plans now to attend the association’s Day At The Hill on March 4th!
It will be a great opportunity to talk with your local State Representatives and Senators about the needs and concerns of School Psychologists and the students you serve.
Shameless Plug!!!
My wife, Kathie Obradovich is now Editor-In-Chief of the Iowa Capital Dispatch. To receive the Iowa Capitol Dispatch’s “Daily Dispatch” each morning for free, sign up at the Dispatch’s website: https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/
Bills of Interest:
Special Note – A small amount of bills introduced last year have been reassigned subcommittees and may be considered this year, that is why some bills with three digit numbers appear on this bill list.
(SF = Senate File, SSB = Senate Study Bill, HF = House File, HSB = House Study Bill)
SF 2027 – Student ID’s Suicide Prevention Number (F) – The bill requires schools to include the national suicide prevention hotline telephone number on student ID cards.
Referred to Education
SF 376 – Mental Health Education Requirements (F) – The bill adds mental health awareness, coping skills and suicide prevention to the subject matter that must be included in a unit of health education.
Subcommittee: Sinclair, Behn and J. Smith
SF 342 – Immunity For Reporting Alcohol Injuries (F) – The bill provides immunity from certain alcohol related criminal offenses and prohibits certain disciplinary actions for persons who seek or require emergency assistance for alcohol overdoses.
Subcommittee: Zaun, Nunn and R. Taylor
SSB 3020 – Student ID’s Suicide Prevention Number (F) – The bill requires schools to include the national suicide prevention hotline telephone number on student ID cards.
Subcommittee: Edler, J. Smith and Sweeney
SSB 3016 – Smoking Age Increase (F) – The bill increases the minimum age to purchase tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, vapor products and cigarettes from 18 to 21.
Subcommittee: Cournoyer, Celsi and R. Smith