LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A proposed Kentucky state budget bill threatens drug, mental health and veterans treatment courts throughout the state.
House Bill 504 would underfund court operations by $14.3 million in 2027 and $18.7 million in 2028.
Critics told WDRB they understand that lawmakers need to be smart with taxpayer dollars but said this is not the solution.
Laura Crawford was headed down a dark path with an addiction to meth and other drugs. In 2013, officers arrested her for manufacturing meth and possession of drugs. She had two options: go to prison for 25 years or overcome her addiction through drug court.
"They taught me how to be accountable," Crawford said. "They helped me regain custody of my son."
Crawford graduated from the program after two years of treatment and drug testing to build stability. Now, she is giving back.
"I get to work with the same program that saved my life," she said. "I could still be in prison."
She is helping other women battle their addictions as a Regional Specialist for the Department of Specialty Courts.
"So, the ripples of drug court go so far and they are still going," Crawford said.
But those waves could fade if the proposed state budget is approved. It would slash services within Kentucky's Judicial Branch, including drug, mental health and veterans treatment courts.
"You can't incarcerate your way out of substance abuse," said Judge Jessica Moore, chief judge of Jefferson County District Court.
Moore volunteers her time for these specialty courts. She said there are more than 100 active cases in Jefferson County alone.
"Without the funding, we would not be able to expand, which is where we hoped to grow," Moore said.
Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Angela Bisig said they are facing a $10 million shortfall.
According to Bisig, the possible layoffs would include clerks, administrative staff and employees who manage court schedules.
"The nonelected officials are the ones that will feel it," Bisig said.
The specialty court cuts would initially curb costs, but Bisig said it is more expensive for taxpayers in the long-run.
"When you incarcerate someone, then you're paying for their food, their lodging, whatever programming, a roof over their head," Bisig said.
"If you kill this program, you're going to kill so many Kentuckians," Crawford said. "You're going to take mamas away from their babies. It's going to be so sad."
Drug courts operate in every Kentucky county, and mental health and veterans treatment courts serve select areas.
Kentucky lawmakers have until April 15 to finalize the state budget.
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