First Step Act Comes Up Short in Trump’s 2020 Budget
Supporters worry because law seeks $75 million a year for five years, but president’s plan lists $14 million.
When groups that lobby for federal prison reform found there was no money in the budget this year for the First Step Act, many gave Congress and the White House a pass. They focused instead on next year’s funding for the new law, which includes more prison education and job-training programs.
But on Monday, their good faith was put to the test as for 2020. Only $14 million was explicitly listed to finance the act’s programs. It’s unclear if additional funding could come from savings that could result from the early release of eligible prisoners under the measure or from reducing expenses elsewhere within the Department of Justice, as some advocates for the programs hope. The White House did not respond to questions.
