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Crist: $25 Million Slated for Veterans Treatment Courts

Crist | Congress | Politics

The expenditure was approved by the full Appropriations Committee and is expected on the floor of the U.S. House in the coming weeks.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-St. Petersburg, announced that he has secured a record $25 million earmarked for veterans treatment courts for the upcoming fiscal year.

The money is part of the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill for fiscal year 2020 for Veterans Treatment Court programs. Crist said this historic level of funding falls under a larger opioid initiative passed by the committee that received $375 million to combat opioid abuse through funding of six other programs. The bill advanced through the full Appropriations Committee on Wednesday (May 22) by a vote of 30-22 and is expected on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in the coming weeks.

“Our servicemembers answer the call of duty and risk their lives to protect our nation. Unfortunately, after military service, too many veterans experience mental health issues, substance abuse, and homelessness,” said Crist. “Treatment courts offer veterans facing non-violent charges a second chance, keeping them out of jail and into the counseling, care, and support they need to heal.”

Clearwater is home to a highly regarded Veterans Treatment Court that functions in both Pinellas and Pasco counties, Crist said. The court was established with state funding provided in 2013. The program works with local judges, police, local VA officials, veteran organizations, prosecutors, public defenders, and other community organizations – who come together to ensure the best possible outcomes for veterans facing the legal system.

Crist said he remains committed to enhancing eteran treatment court programs with the reintroduction of his bipartisan Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act in the 116th Congress. The bill has more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors.

Crist represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, which includes south and mid-Pinellas County.

For information about Crist, go to crist.house.gov.

Charlie Crist | Veterans | Veterans Treatment Courts | Tampabay News

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