Rep. Vining authors Wisconsin Assembly bill to overhaul school mental health funding

The new bill authored by State Rep. Robyn Vining seeks to replace the current grant program with categorical aid to support mental health services in schools across Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “aid for comprehensive school mental health services and making an appropriation. (FE)”.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill proposes to replace the existing grant program for school mental health services with a new system of categorical aid. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) would annually reimburse school districts and independent charter schools for costs associated with mental health services, both during and outside of school hours. Eligible services include mental health improvement strategies, literacy and stigma reduction programs, collaboration with community providers, and more. The reimbursement amounts would be capped at the greater of $100,000 or $100 per enrolled student. If allocated funds are insufficient, prorated payments would occur. Additionally, the bill increases funding for these expenditures by $83.9 million for each of fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The bill takes effect the day after publication or two days post-publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.

The bill was co-authored by Senator LaTonya Johnson (Democrat-6th District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), along 28 other co-sponsors.

Robyn Vining has co-authored or authored another 52 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.

Vining graduated from James Madison University in 1999 with a BA and again in 1999 from James Madison University with a BS.

Vining, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state’s 13th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Tom Michalski.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.