Funding shortfalls in Alaska’s substance abuse treatment programs may benefit from $288 million in a reserve fund that was previously thought to be depleted.
Wasilla Representative Lynn Gattis expressed her surprise in the House Finance Committee meeting Tuesday afternoon when they were told about the find. She questioned how much more legislators might find.
The committee then approved funding to fill in gaps in substance abuse treatment programs as well as a state prosecutor’s office in Dillingham and a public integrity unit.
Members appropriated $30 million this year that will be used over the next few years for grants for expanded services for those struggling with substance abuse.
The House Finance Committee is working to finalize its version of the state operating budget before it will be forwarded to a House floor vote later this week.
