On Sunday, September 24, Governor Jerry Brown announced his veto of A.B. 2017, a bill that would have given potentially $40 million toward mental health services for public colleges and  universities in California. If passed, the bill would have created a grant program for colleges and universities, using funds from Prop 63. What's more, A.B 2017 puts a 5% cap on administrative services. We don't need a new Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Toward Undergraduate Mental Health. We need shorter wait times, a diversification of caretakers and care options, and additional outreach toward our services.

Students are tired of the lack of mental health services. We're understaffed, forcing students to cram in small waiting rooms. Counselors are working nonstop, but it still takes anywhere from two to four weeks for an appointment.  We don't have counselors that reflect the diversity of our community colleges, colleges and universities. Between school, work, internships, and the all too present struggle of meeting basic needs, we're stressed, and our mental health services shouldn't be an additional stressor. The passage of the bill would have allowed for structural changes towards these issues, but Governor Jerry Brown still refuses to listen to the voices of struggling students.

We are not taking no for an answer. By signing this petition, you are urging the California State Legislature to overturn the veto made by Governor Jerry Brown. We are not done. We are standing up, showing up, and making noise until A.B. 2017 is signed with pride.