Michigan funding recognition of K–12 MH issues, advocates say

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder recently signed legislation designating $31.3 million for school mental health and support services within the K–12 budget. Advocates for children say years of lobbying and advocacy finally paid off in December. School leaders say every year they try to meet the growing needs of students with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders with limited resources. “We are abundantly grateful for the allocation because it acknowledges student mental health issues are a problem in our schools,” said Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Superintendent Peter Haines. “For a long time, there has been a universal outcry that this is a common problem. This funding is a good start and will make a difference.”