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May 25, 2023 - Allentown, PA

Governor Shapiro Highlights Budget Proposal's Comprehensive Approach to Increasing Mental Health Support for Students in Visit to Allentown High School

Governor Josh Shapiro met with Parkland High School students in Lehigh County to hear about their mental health challenges and share his budget's proposed investments to ensure that all Pennsylvania students have access to mental health resources in schools.

The Governor's commonsense proposal includes $500 million over the next five years so that schools can fund mental health counselors and services on site, prioritizing students' mental health in addition to their physical health, and $20 million in 2023-24 - growing to $60 million annually by 2027-28 - to restore mental health funding to Pennsylvania counties, who provide critical community-based mental health services for residents.

"This generation is leading the way in changing how we talk about and address mental health care support for our youth. The students I met today are speaking up, breaking down the stigma, and asking for our help - and I've heard them and am ready to work with them to find solutions," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Keeping our children safe is my top priority - and my budget offers comprehensive solutions to put more money into our schools and our communities to better serve students and their mental health. These investments in Pennsylvania students are critical - let's work together to get this done and deliver for the students and families across our Commonwealth who need this help."

Speakers Include:
Nate Davidson, Principal of Parkland High School
State Representative Mike Schlossberg
Reva Gandhi, Student
Governor Josh Shapiro



Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion, including Representative Mike Schlossberg and Governor Josh Shapiro. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion, including Representative Mike Schlossberg and Governor Josh Shapiro. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here are students and leaders from the Parkland High School District. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion, including Representative Mike Schlossberg and Governor Josh Shapiro. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here are students and leaders from the Parkland High School District. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is a moment from the roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here are students and leaders from the Parkland High School District. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Nate Davidson, Principal of Parkland High School, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Nate Davidson, Principal of Parkland High School, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Representative Mike Schlossberg, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Representative Mike Schlossberg, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Reva Gandhi, a Parkland High School student, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Reva Gandhi, a Parkland High School student, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_28.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_29.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_30.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_31.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here is Governor Josh Shapiro, delivering remarks during a roundtable discussion. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_32.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro visits Parkland High School in Allentown to meet with students and hear about their experiences with mental health and to highlight his proposed budget investments in mental health resources for schools and counties. This proposal includes $500 million over the next five years to increase mental health support in schools and up to $60 million annually by 2027-28 to restore county mental health funding. Pictured here are students and leaders from the Parkland High School District. Allentown, Pennsylvania. May 25, 2023.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/23164_gov_mentalHealths_JP_33.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>