What about the $8.4 billion in pandemic relief? Analysis: Children’s mental health and the curious case of crisis spending Sitting on loads of cash, governor wants more pandemic relief funding By Mark Lisheron Few Americans question the physical and mental toll taken by COVID-19 and the government response to it. But when elected officials complain that they have so much federal emergency money that they won’t be able to spend it all on time, shouldn’t we ask what happened to the $8.4 billion when they come asking for $500 million more? Gov. Tony Evers has added the $500 million to his 2023-25 budget to address a “burgeoning crisis” in mental and behavioral health, particularly among our children, created by the impact of the pandemic. In his State of the State address, he declared 2023 the Year of Mental Health. However, there is little in the state’s own records of allocation and spending of more than its $8.4 billion share of CARES Act, the American Rescue Plan Act and the Investment and Jobs Act that suggests recognition of a “burgeoning crisis” in mental and behavioral health. Continue Reading Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email The Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), has long been at the forefront of the fight for school choice, right to work, welfare reform, tax restructuring, limited government, civil society and so much more. If you appreciate the Institute’s legacy and want to support free markets, opportunity and prosperity, please consider donating today. Your support will help the Institute continue to advocate for conservative principles now and in generations to come. The Institute never has, and never will, accept government funding. We gratefully welcome your online donation or email Angela Smith, Vice President of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Support Freedom     Badger Institute | 700 W Virginia St, Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.badgerinstitute.org Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!