Campbell calls for increased funding for mental health services, traditional public schools

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) continued to advocate for all Hoosiers by calling for increased funding for crucial services and programs in this year’s budget. 

Campbell highlighted the need for more funding for mental health services, traditional K-12 public schools and the Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled program (C.H.O.I.C.E.). 

“The current budget simply does not do enough,” Campbell said. “Hoosiers are struggling like never before, and the lack of funds in these areas specifically concerns me. 

“Critical mental health services are being drastically cut right when people need them the most. The pandemic has only exacerbated our need for better mental health care. After taking the Be Well Indiana mental health self-screening, 75% of people reported a presence of mental health issues. Mental illness will only become more prevalent if we refuse to delegate funding toward treatment. 

“The Republicans' budget invests more in K-12 education. However, many of their proposals, such as expanding private school vouchers, actually deduct funds from struggling public schools. We cannot let these schools, that are already stretched thin from the pandemic, continue to suffer due to lack of funds. Directing more money toward public education ensures that our students remain supported through this difficult time, regardless of the type of school they attend. 

“This past year, we saw how hard hit our nursing homes were due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoosiers who wish to stay in their homes and receive healthcare should, yet the C.H.O.I.C.E. program continues to experience cuts. Investing in C.H.O.I.C.E. supports not only our more vulnerable people, but their families and caregivers. 

“Providing support and care for people through this difficult time is the best possible investment we can make as a state.”