SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers and advocates argue Illinois needs to provide more funding for mental health services on college campuses. Many argue the state is falling short on a promise the Pritzker administration made to improve accessibility to care.

The Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act was passed in 2019 to enhance mental health support at Illinois public colleges and universities. However, the bill was signed into law without funding necessary to implement it.

Lawmakers approved $9 million for the program in 2023 and $13 million last year. Yet, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability said Illinois needs $23.5 million to fully fund these services.

"A signature piece of Mental Health Early Action on Campus is bringing mental health resources to exactly where people are, and in this case it’s college campuses," said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). "It brings it right to students. It captures that social work ethos of meeting people right where they’re at."

One in three young adults ages 18 to 25 are experiencing a mental health condition, which is the highest rate among any adult group in the United States. However, advocates said half the people in this age group are not receiving the mental health care they need.

"Students are more than numbers though," said NAMI Chicago Chief Operating Officer Jen McGowan-Tomke. "Students are our future, and the growing mental health crisis on campus threatens to impact the bright futures of our students."

Student advocates said too many young people are facing silent battles alone while they try to take on the heavy workload of college. Hassan Hillard from Illinois State University said he was grateful to have mental health services available, but lawmakers need to provide additional funding to ensure every student has access.

"Through the Act, I was able to start therapy within the first weeks of school and it has been a crucial part of my healing process since I’ve lost my mother," Hillard said. "But, my story is not unique. I’m simply just one of the fortunate young adults who was able to have access to these resources through my educational system."

Gov. JB Pritzker introduced a $55.2 billion spending plan in February, but he warned lawmakers that they will need to make tough decisions about cutting spending. Lawmakers will spend the final weeks of session working on their Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal. 

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