Testa is critical to the proposed New Jersey Health Care Network.

After a week Governor Phil Murphy announced New Jersey to launch new network for student mental health services, state Sen. Michael Testa questions why the state is moving to replace an existing program.

Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, issued a statement Friday condemning the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network.

The network aims to be a statewide hub for schools and families seeking mental health services. Complete a school-based youth services program that provides support for schools to meet the mental health needs of their students.

Mr. Testa, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the teachers in his district, said that the change was made without proper response from the education community.

“I’ve heard from very angry teachers in my state, who don’t understand why the governor wants to scrap the current program or why this new model is better,” Testa said. They are also calling my office for more information, indicating that the administration is not participating in the new program.

Last Friday, Murphy said the new program, which officials hope will be ready for the next school year, will help better address issues of anxiety, depression and suicide caused in part by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the time of the epidemic, nearly one in four young Americans received treatment for mental health issues. Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said recently.

Murphy has allocated $15 million in New Jersey’s 2023 budget for the American Rescue Plan to the idea, saying the network will provide new “tools and strategies” in the state’s mental health crisis among vulnerable youth.

But Testa, a frequent Murphy critic, said the shutdowns and policies the governor ordered during the outbreak were the biggest contributors to the problem.

“It’s a shame that the governor has been vocal about juvenile mental health when he and the NJEA have been at the forefront of closing our schools and keeping our kids away from normal life,” Testa said. “This new program is another way for Murphy and the bureaucrats in Trenton to recruit people from local schools and who know our school children best.”

The senator also said the administration had opened up until Oct. 14 for feedback to teachers and parents, which he said was not enough time, prompting Murphy to extend the window. Testa said the comment period should be extended until the end of the year.

“If the governor really wanted the input of the teachers and parents affected by this announcement, he would have brought it before the announcement,” Testa said..