BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota House budget writers have increased funding for state addiction treatment vouchers as part of the $4.48 billion state Department of Human Services budget passed by the full House on Wednesday.
Lawmakers created the voucher in the 2015 session to covers gaps in the ability for people to access services close to them. One example could be people in small towns who live far from a publicly funded state human service center. They can use vouchers to obtain services from a local private provider.
The 2019 Legislature budgeted $8 million for the program, and it ran out after a year. Officials were able to cover the the rest of the program with federal money, The Bismarck Tribune reported.
This year’s bill has $12 million for the voucher. In addition, the bill would allow up to three $1 million grants to establish outpatient treatment facilities in underserved areas of the state.
“We want to bring treatment to the people. Travel is a big item for many people, families,” Republican Rep. Jon Nelson said.
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