The Coalition for Juvenile Justice, a network of state’s advisory groups, has responded to President Obama’s budget which consolidates Title II and JABG funds into a new bucket called Juvenile Justice System Incentive Grants. While supporting the positives of the incentive grant approach – and there are some – CJJ suggests using that pot of fund to create a two-tier system in which Tier I funds support on-going core compliance work and Tier II funds would be available to states as incentives to promote other reforms, assuming they are in compliance. While the overall funding level is of concern, this CJJ suggestion seems to be a positive alternative that solves some of the concerns that relying on incentive grants alone could result in state’s backing out of or being unable to provide the core compliance work that is critical to sustain several decades of change.
Wisconsin’s Strong Fiscal Position is an Opportunity to Ensure Everyone Benefits
Wisconsin can be a place where we all—regardless of race or place—have what we need to overcome challenges and make our families safe and well. The state’s historically large surplus is an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for children and families in our state, like access to child care and health care, good schools, and affordable homes.
