Jan Hochadel

Senator Hochadel Supports State Bonding Approved for Cheshire Park

Today, State Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) welcomed the state’s announcement that $162,000 in state support will be released to schools in the 13th Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.

“Mental health is the foundation of our emotions, thinking communication, resilience, hope and self-esteem,” said Sen. Hochadel. “It begins when you are a child. Creating a safe space for our children will allow them to have better relationships with themselves and others. I am thankful this funding will allow our school districts to provide more resources to students in need.”

“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”

The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:

Cheshire, $162,000