Diversion from Criminal Legal System

Congress should make mobile crisis services mandatory under Medicaid. At a minimum, these services should be made a permanent state option available to states eligible for enhanced federal Medicaid match funding.[1]

Congress should pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (Momnibus 2.0) package, which includes 13 bills to address alarming disparities in Black maternal health.

Congress should require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a single global payment under the Physician Fee Schedule for mobile crisis response team services for Medicare beneficiaries experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder (MH/SUD) crisis. A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members has supported this important step.[1]

Congress should pass legislation that provides resources to communities to help individuals returning from incarceration secure housing.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) should propose rulemaking relating to the use of criminal and eviction records and algorithms in background screening for individuals seeking rental housing.

Congress should reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and expand funding for youth employment programs that serve low-income and disadvantaged youth. Funding should be allocated to provide dedicated mental health resources to programs to help identify and meet youth’s mental health needs.