Corrections_Today_Winter_2024-2025_Vol.86_No.4

WASHINGTON WATCH

advocating for these critical needs in the new Congress starting in January 2025. Reentry ACA is leading efforts to promote comprehensive reentry programs that assist individuals transitioning back into society. By advocating for evidence-based practices, ACA aims to reduce recidivism rates and create safer communities. ACA Execu tive Director Rob Green is actively engaging key lawmakers to support the bipartisan Second Chance Reau thorization Act , which would: – Reauthorize essential grant programs that provide ser vices and resources for people reintegrating into their commu nities after incarceration; – Expand the permissible uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individu als returning from prison and jail; and – Enhance addiction treatment services for those with sub stance use disorders, including The Senate is currently considering the Second Chance Reau thorization Act as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) measure. Mental health and substance use treatment Recognizing the critical need for mental health and substance use treatment within correctional peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention.

facilities, ACA has prioritized legislation that enhances access to these services. Of note, ACA is sup porting the bipartisan Supporting Treatment and Recovery Over Narcot ics for Growth, Empowerment, and Rehabilitation (STRONGER) Act, which would reauthorize Residen tial Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) funding through Fiscal Year 2029 and provide critical updates to the program, including allowing grantees to use RSAT funds to offer treatment to individuals pretrial. By advocating for evidence based practices, ACA aims to reduce recidivism rates and create safer communities. Federal health benefits in correctional facilities ACA is supporting bipartisan ef forts to amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy (MIEP) through the Due Process Continuity of Care Act and Reentry Act . These bills aim to im prove care coordination and maintain access to federal health benefits for eli gible individuals in local jails, allowing pre-trial detainees to receive Medicaid benefits at the state’s discretion and enabling Medicaid payment for medi cal services during the 30 days prior to release. Passage of this bipartisan legislation would lead to better care, reduced taxpayer costs, decreased crime and recidivism, and improved public safety.

Additionally, the ACA is collabo rating with fellow stakeholders on new requirements passed as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Appro priations Act of 2023, which enacted the first nationwide change to the inmate exclusion by authorizing Medicaid and CHIP to cover some services for incarcerated youth. These changes will take effect on January 1, 2025. Fiscal year 2025 appropriations Adequate funding is crucial for implementing effective correctional programs. ACA continues to advocate for increased resources to support facility improvements, staff training, and essential rehabilitation services. When Congress returns after the November elections, the House and Senate will focus on FY 2025 spending negotiations. Recently, Congress passed a stopgap spending bill to keep the government operat ing through December 20, avoiding a shutdown but setting the stage for a spending showdown just before Christmas. ACA is collaborating with fellow stakeholders to urge lawmakers to pass annual appropriations mea sures with robust funding for public safety grant programs. ACA’s proactive approach on Capitol Hill highlights our com mitment to advancing policies that enhance the correctional system and support the well-being of individuals in custody and their communities. As we continue to advocate for these critical issues, we will reach out for your feedback and support. Stay tuned for more updates on ACA’s efforts and initiatives! CT

Winter 2024-2025 | Corrections Today

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