By Sean Ryan

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) reintroduced the Student Support Act to ensure all students have access to the mental health services and support they require to thrive academically and personally.

The proposed legislation represents a pivotal step in addressing the growing mental health crisis among students.

Recognizing the significant challenges students face today, the act aims to break down barriers to access and would provide $100 million in grants to states for additional school-based mental health and student service providers.

Currently, there is a national average ratio of 1,653 students per school psychologist, despite the 1:500-700 recommendation from the National Association of Social Psychologists. This legislation would allow schools to have the maximum recommended ratio of 1 school social worker for every 250 students.

“Our students are our future, and their mental health is paramount,” said  Lee. “Educational institutions, parents, policymakers, and communities must work together to ensure that every student has access to the mental health resources they need to succeed.

“With the Student Support Act, we are making a substantial investment in the well-being of our youth, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and help take that significant step toward creating a safer and more supportive environment in our schools.”

Sarah Butts, director of Public Policy for the National Association of Social Workers thanked Lee for continued leadership to address the mental health and behavioral health needs of children and their families.

“We endorse the Student Support Act because students and school communities can benefit greatly from access to social workers and other mental health professionals on site,” Butts said.

Lee understands that student success is intrinsically linked to their mental health. Participation in the use of school-based mental health centers (SBHC) was positively associated with increases in grade point average (GPA) and attendance.

By implementing these comprehensive measures, the Student Support Act is taking bold steps to ensure that no student is left without the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

To view the bill, go to: https://lee.house.gov/imo/media/doc/2023_student_support_act.pdf

Sean Ryan is a media relations officer in Rep. Barbara Lee’s press office.

By Tanu Henry,

Antonio Ray Harvey

 and Joe W. Bowers Jr.

California Black Media

The top three Democrats running to become the next U.S. senator to represent California participated in a candidate’s forum at the National Union of Healthcare Workers’ Leadership Conference on Oct. 8, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

The participants were U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Katie Porter (D-CA-47), and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30).

They are all running for the Senate seat previously held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein and is currently occupied by Sen. Laphonza Butler, who Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed after Feinstein passed away on Sept. 28.

The debate was moderated by Lisa Matthews from the Associated Press. The panelists answered inquiries posed by members of NUHW and a team of journalists. On this team were Melanie Mason from Politico, Benjamin Oreskes from the Los Angeles Times, and Sandhya Raman from Roll Call.

The candidates responded to 20 questions on topics ranging from healthcare, minimum wage, the current Israel-Hamas war, and the potential of Butler joining the race.

During the forum, all three politicians expressed their disapproval and commented on Gov. Newsom’s decision to veto Senate Bill (SB) 799. The bill would have provided striking workers access to unemployment benefits.

“You get what you paid in,” Lee said of striking workers’ unemployment benefits.

“We need to make sure that the working people are protected,” Schiff said.

“Nobody should go hungry for using their legal rights to better themselves and better our entire country’s economy,” Porter said.

The National Union of Healthcare Workers represents more than 16,000 union members.

“Our union’s endorsement is in the hands of our members,” said NUHW President Sal Rosselli. “After we get a chance to hear from the candidates, we’ll take a transparent, democratic and informed vote, and the winner will have NUHW’s full support.”

By California Black Media

Shortly after Sen. Laphonza Butler announced that she will not run in the race to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein next year, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) responded to the news.

“Senator Butler took on the enormous responsibility of filling an open Senate seat with grace, integrity, and a deep commitment to delivering for the people of California,” wrote Lee in a statement on social media.

“I look forward to continuing our work together for the remainder of her term,” continued Lee, who is among three contenders and the only Black American — in the crowded race for the U.S. Senate seat Butler currently occupies.

Gov. Newsom appointed Butler to complete the term of Feinstein, who passed away last month.  The other two contenders for Senator with Lee are her Democratic colleagues, Congressmembers Katie Porter (D-CA-47) and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30).

In a statement on Oct. 19, Butler said her decision not to run may not be what people expected, but it is the best one for her.

“I’ve always believed elected leaders should have real clarity about why they’re in office and what they want to do with the responsibility and power they have,” wrote Butler in a statement.

“I’ve spent the past 16 days pursuing my own clarity — what kind of life I want to have, what kind of service I want to offer and what kind of voice I want to bring forward,” she continued. “After considering those questions I’ve decided not to run for a full term in the U.S. Senate. Knowing you can win a campaign doesn’t always mean you should run a campaign. I know this will be a surprise to many because traditionally we don’t see those who have power let it go.”

Quoting Muhammad Ali, Butler added, “Don’t count the days. Make the days count. I intend to do just that.”

Butler, who expressed strong support for the Black press during a 30-minute Zoom call last week, has not yet announced her endorsement for her successor.