Reps. Scott, Davis and Schofield Applaud State Funding Supporting Students’ Mental Health and Students in Poverty

ATLANTA - State Representatives Sandra G. Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) recently applauded state funding that allocates $15 million for students living in poverty and $19.6 million for student mental health services. This funding for the Department of Education was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget (FY26), which took effect on July 1, 2025. These legislators also highlight House Bills 26 and 27, legislation they introduced during the 2025 legislative session that would support students' mental health and support students living in poverty.

"These dollars reflect exactly what we fought for: more resources for our children, more support for families and more tools for our schools," said Rep. Scott. "For years, we have pushed for targeted funding to help the schools serving our highest-poverty communities and to increase mental health support in the classroom."

"This is not just good policy; it is a moral obligation," said Rep. Davis. "Children living in poverty and students in crisis deserve real support, not excuses. I'm proud to see our legislative vision transforming into real help for real families."

"Mental health is health. HB 26 and HB 27 were built on the truth that student wellbeing drives student success," said Rep. Schofield. "This new funding honors that truth and brings meaningful services directly into Georgia's schools."

These legislators introduced HB 26 with a goal of emphasizing the need for mental health professionals, school-based counseling and behavioral support services in Georgia's schools. The FY26 budget provides $19.6 million in funding, including $20,000 for every middle and high school statewide, for mental health services such as: hiring school-based mental health professionals; contracting with mental health agencies or telehealth providers; crisis intervention services; student behavioral support; mental health curriculum and materials; and ensuring parent participation in service plans.

These legislators also state that Georgia school districts are using these funds to expand mental health access: Troup County launched Teen Mental Health First Aid for all ninth graders; Crisp County partnered with a tele-mental health provider; Rome City Schools expanded mental health counseling; DeKalb County will now offer in-school crisis support through mental health coordinators; and Social Circle City Schools provided continued therapy access for a student who briefly lost insurance coverage.

"HB 26 was grounded in the truth that our children cannot learn if they are in crisis," said Rep. Schofield. "This funding gives schools the tools to respond with compassion and action, not punishment."

Reps. Scott, Davis and Schofield also highlight that they developed HB 27 with the goal of targeting inequities in school funding and ensure that resources follow students with the greatest need. The FY26 state budget includes $15,275,991 dedicated to supporting economically disadvantaged students. These funds may be used for at-risk academic interventions, summer/extended learning time, advanced coursework access, tutoring and mentoring programs, transportation to opportunities, postsecondary readiness and teacher training and support.

Districts with 40 percent or more students identified through SNAP/TANF Direct Certification receive poverty funding, which these legislators say aligns with their legislation, HB 27. Because of this funding, these legislators assert that Candler County is expanding intervention programs and high-dosage tutoring; Early County used the funding to hire a middle-school intervention teacher; and DeKalb County School System is expanding tutoring, mentoring and afterschool enrichment programs.

"Georgia is finally acknowledging what we have long known: you cannot expect equal outcomes when schools do not have equal resources," said Rep. Davis. "HB 27 helped push this conversation forward, and today that work is paying off."

"This is why we write bills," said Rep. Scott. "This is why we fight. HB 26 and HB 27 were created to support the whole child - academically, emotionally and socially. We are proud to see these ideas reflected in statewide action and real dollars reaching our classrooms."

"We are not done," added Rep. Davis. "We will continue pushing for more honesty, more transparency and more investment in every child."

"We stand united: mental health support and poverty resources are not optional-they are essential," concluded Rep. Schofield. "These investments move us closer to equity and excellence for all students."

These legislators seek to build a stronger, fairer and more supportive education system for every child in Georgia.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.

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