Walz touts funds for mental health resources during visit to Minneapolis high school

Gov. Tim Walz visited a Twin Cities metro high school to talk about student mental health resources Wednesday.

The visit to Edison High School is part of his push to highlight one of his budget proposals, and also serves as a message to state lawmakers.

@GovTimWalz and @LtGovFlanagan are at Edison High School in Minneapolis to push their mental health budget proposal for students @KSTP pic.twitter.com/kpUWkjyZKc

— Kelsey Christensen (@KelseyReports) May 11, 2022

According to the governor’s office, the proposal includes more than $210 million over three years to address the increased need for child and student mental health support and intervention.

The governor says the funds would enhance mental health screening in schools, and also address shortages when it comes to services for students’ social, emotional and physical health.

“The challenge over COVID and civil unrest is weighing on children.. making sure we’re listening to professionals… whether that is in funding,” said Walz during a news conference Wednesday morning.

Another part of the proposal would create 100 new children’s residential psychiatric treatment facility beds for those with the most severe needs.

The push comes less than two weeks before the state legislative session comes to a close on May 23.

Editor’s Note: Due to a technical issue, only part of the news conference can be watched below.