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DHS seeks telecom fee to fund 988 expansion as federal grants are pulled back
Summary
DHS told the committee the 988 crisis continuum will cost about $67 million a year at full implementation and proposed a $0.40 monthly telecom fee per line to fund the system after federal grants were curtailed; lawmakers pressed for assured dedication and alternatives to a per-line surcharge.
DHS leaders urged the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee on May 6 to consider recurring state funding for the state's 988 suicide and crisis lifeline as federal grant support has been reduced.
Commissioner Sarah Edelman said New Jersey's 988 system has handled more than 56,000 calls since its July 2022 launch and that the proposed comprehensive continuum will cost roughly $67 million annually at full implementation. To secure recurring…
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