June 21st, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Today, Rep. David Trone (MD-06) announced House passage of four amendments he proposed, including critical funding for mental health courts, programs to combat the opioid epidemic in rural communities, and the expansion of rural broadband.

 

The amendments were added to H.R. 3055, the FY 2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act.

 

“I came to Washington to represent those that don’t have a PAC or a lobbyist, and I’m proud that we were able to secure resources for critical priorities in our district,” said Congressman David Trone. “This funding will expand opportunities for Marylanders and all Americans by increasing funding to combat the opioid crisis, expanding rural broadband access, strengthening mental health courts, and improving the infrastructure for NIST, one of our nation’s leading research institutions.”

 

Trone’s four amendments reflect some of the most important priorities for the 6th District of Maryland. More detail on the amendments is included below:

• Opioid Epidemic: Increases funding for Rural Health and Safety Education Program by $1 million to combat the opioid epidemic in rural communities
• Mental Health Courts: Increases funding by $1.5 million for mental health courts and adult and juvenile collaboration program grants that improve mental health services and provide diversion for justice-impacted individuals
• Access to Broadband: Increases funding for Community Connect Grants by $5 million to expand broadband deployment into rural communities that are underserved by private sector investment
• Research Funding: Underlines importance of modernizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) infrastructure