91µÎµÎ

A coalition of 16 state attorney generals have opposing the Department of Education’s (ED) cancellation of almost $1 billion in mental health funding. This coalition includes the attorney generals of New York, Washington, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Rhode Island, Oregon, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Nevada, Connecticut and California. 
 
In late April, the ED announced they were , including grants to support counselor professional development and recruitment. This funding had been lawfully allocated by Congress under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. 
 
The lawsuit, brought by the coalition in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, argues that the Department unlawfully cancelled these grants, and that the decision could harm mental health professionals and students through layoffs and reduced services.  

The cancellation of this funding is an ongoing and evolving issue. In late June, 44 members of Congress to the ED questioning the cancellation of this funding and pushing for continued investment in mental health. Even after the case is decided in the U.S. District Court, that decision may be appealed — prolonging litigation. 

91µÎµÎ will continue to monitor the case and provide members with updates. We thank all our advocates who spoke out against these cuts and encourage members of congress to question the ED about the funding. Let’s continue to advocate and call on Congress to fully restore Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding —  

For any questions or to learn more about 91µÎµÎ’s advocacy efforts, contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.