Congress has reinstated the process of directing federal funds for local projects, and the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP) is helping organizations apply.
In 2011, Congress banned earmarks after particularly egregious and damning stories about pet projects and waste of taxpayer money came to light. Since then, Members of Congress have been unable to fund such projects in their districts, and communities have seen less capital.
Last year, Congress brought back earmarks under new names and strict requirements: Community Project Funding or Congressionally Directed Spending must have clear and robust community support with no financial benefit to the Member of Congress making the request.
Two months ago, President Joe Biden signed into law the $1.5 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 to fund federal government activities and programs for the fiscal year. Included in this bill was a portfolio of nearly 5,000 earmarks, totaling almost $9 billion, which included millions for local, community-level projects to address trauma, child welfare, poverty, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as well as provide substance use disorder treatment and mental health support for children, individuals, and families. The new measures to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse guided federal funds toward projects that meet the moment — projects that support the trauma-informed movement.
Blog: https://www.ctipp.org/2022/05/earmarks-new-improved-and-funding-the-trauma-movement
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTIPPorg/photos/a.1914397562147441/3197126783874506/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTIPPorg/status/1522591562013814784
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