Rep. Robyn Vining Introduces LGBTQIA+ Rights Mental Health Bill

MADISON–The Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus (TPANAC) introduced the “Equality Agenda” at a press conference today, a package of bills to promote equality and improve safety for LGBTQIA+ Wisconsinites. Included in this package is a bill authored by Rep. Robyn Vining and members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus and TPANAC to address the mental health of LGBTQIA+ students and train mental health professionals on the rights of LGBTQIA+ youth. Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement:

“Every Wisconsin child deserves access to the mental healthcare they need. According to the Department of Public Instruction’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 79% of LGBTQ+ students reported anxiety, and 63% reported depression. The increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation negatively impacts LGBTQIA+ youth, contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. The mere introduction of anti-LGBTQ+ bills causes harm to the mental health of Wisconsin’s youth, and we must respond with help for these young people.

“My bill, LRB-1684, provides grants to school boards to provide training in LGBTQIA+ rights to school counselors and school social workers. This training gives school mental health professionals the tools they need to identify and address the unique issues facing LGBTQIA+ students and will increase the quality of mental healthcare that these students receive in schools. I want to thank my partner in the State Senate, LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair and Senator Mark Spreitzer, for his leadership on this bill, and for including the bill in the ‘Equality Agenda’ bill package. I also want to thank Sen. Tim Carpenter, Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, Sen. Kelda Roys, Sen. Sen. Melissa Ratcliff, Rep. Christian Phelps, Rep. Angelina Cruz, Rep. Greta Neubauer, Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Rep. Lee Snodgrass, Rep. Ryan Spaude, Rep. Angela Stroud, Rep. Randy Udell, Rep. Margaret Arney, and Rep. Ryan Clancy for being initial cosponsors.”

“LGBTQIA+ students deserve to feel safe and supported in their schools. It is time that this legislature invests in the mental health and well-being of Wisconsin students. Mental healthcare is healthcare, and our bill will move Wisconsin forward, together.”

Rep. Vining represents the 13th Assembly District, which includes Elm Grove, and parts of Wauwatosa and Brookfield. For more information visit Rep. Vining’s website here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.