Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	May 31, 2018 04:06 PM
From:	Senator Jay Costa
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	School Counselors

In the near future, I plan to sponsor two pieces of legislation regarding additional school counselors, and I ask for your consideration in cosponsoring one or both of the bills.

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Document #1

Description:

Bill No. 1.   Recent events have shown that shootings in schools are often perpetrated by students who are experiencing issues directly related to their emotional and mental health causing them to act out in ways that produce tragic results.  Additionally, students who are the victims of these horrific events also experience emotional and mental trauma.   In order to address these issues, I am proposing legislation that will provide the necessary authority and resources to enable school districts to help students.  My legislation will help schools evaluate their needs based on school population and provide a necessary complement of school counselors to identify students who may be in need of mental health services and assist students in receiving the assistance they need.   By providing access to additional counseling services, the identification and treatment of students who may be in need of assistance may help to prevent future tragedies.  It is important that we provide schools, students as well as their families and ultimately their communities with this important help. I hope that you will join me in sponsoring this important legislation.

Document #2

Description:	Bill No. 2   The second piece of legislation would establish a loan forgiveness program for professionals—social workers, psychologists and school counselors.  The intent is to help to provide additional counselors for schools to assist students with their emotional and mental health needs.   I hope that you will join me in sponsoring this important legislation.