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Committee seeks state backstop for Turning Point recovery coaching funding if federal earmark fails
Summary
The committee discussed federal earmark uncertainty for Turning Point's recovery coaching program and asked staff to draft language asking that state funds be appropriated if the federal congressional designation does not materialize.
House Corrections & Institutions members raised concerns that Turning Point’s recovery coaching expansion — funded last year with $1,060,000 from opioid settlement funds and this year proposed as part of a $1.6 million congressional earmark — could be left unfunded if the earmark does not clear Congress.
Committee members asked staff to draft language stating the committee’s expectation that, should federal earmarked funding not materialize, the General Assembly should appropriate state funds (either from the opioid settlement fund or the general fund) to backfill the program so recovery coaching continues in DOC facilities.
Staff described the prior funding path: last year the recovery‑coaching allocation came from opioid settlement funds; this year Turning Point is seeking a congressional designation of $1.88 million that would include the prior $1,060,000 item. Committee members reported contact with Senator Welch’s office that projects have been nominated but cautioned that federal appropriations remain uncertain.
The committee instructed staff to draft recommend language that (1) expresses support for Turning Point’s recovery coaching work in correctional facilities and (2) asks Appropriations to include a contingency appropriation or other budget language to preserve funding if the federal earmark fails. The committee did not appropriate state funds at the meeting.
