Invest Meta settlement money in Wisconsin's young people

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul just delivered a huge win in protecting kids from big tech, with $200 million headed into the Badger state. Kaul helped sue Meta, claiming its products, including Facebook and Instagram, are dangerous and addictive for children. In the spirit of kids' safety, that money should go to the numerous mental health resources for young people rejected by Wisconsin Republicans in recent years. In 2023, Republican state lawmakers blocked $235 million in school mental health programming. In 2025, many of these same Republicans axed funding for youth suicide prevention. They cut other behavioral health programs from Gov. Tony Evers' budget that year, too. More of the same is happening federally. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, supported Depeartment of Government Efficiency cuts that put the Kaukauna School District at risk of losing millions in funding that helps support mental health. Tiffany didn't bother to show up the day Congress passed the bipartisan KIDS Online Safety Act, a bill to protect children from the dangers of artificial intelligence and big tech. Wisconsin kids deserve better. Since the Republican-controlled government refuses to stand up for kids' safety and well-being, that $200 million Meta settlement should be invested back into Wisconsin's young people. Lucy Ripp, MononaGet opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!