hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Reauthorizes school-based health center grants for 5 years.
Rep. Tonko (D-NY), Rep. Balderson (R-OH), Rep. Bergman (R-MI)
Introduced in House, referred to committee.
This bill proposes to continue and set specific funding for federal grants that support health centers located in schools. It would allocate $55 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for these programs. The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives including Mr. Tonko, Mr. Balderson, and Mr. Bergman, and is currently under review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Introduced Apr 6, 2026
H.R. 8209 was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 6, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review. Before it can move forward, the committee must consider the bill and vote to send it to the full House for a vote. If it passes the House, it would then go to the Senate for their consideration.
If this bill becomes law, students in areas with school-based health centers could continue to access essential medical, mental health, and dental services without leaving school grounds. Schools that host these centers would have a secure source of federal funding to help operate and maintain these critical services for their student populations, potentially preventing disruptions in care.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue that school-based health centers provide convenient and essential care, improving student health and academic performance.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about federal spending levels or the role of schools in providing healthcare services.
Those in favor often highlight how these centers remove barriers to care, especially for low-income families or those in rural areas, leading to better attendance and health outcomes for students. Opponents may question whether healthcare delivery is best managed at the federal level or if the specified funding amount is appropriate given other budget priorities.