The CAREER Act of 2023 is a law that helps people recovering from substance abuse get back on their feet by supporting job training and employment programs. The bill extends funding for a federal grant program through 2028 that gives money to states to help people in addiction treatment and recovery become self-sufficient and find work.

The law makes two key changes to how this program works. First, it requires that when the government decides which states need the most help, it must look at recent data from the past five years—like overdose death rates and unemployment numbers—rather than older information. This ensures funding goes to states currently facing the biggest challenges. Second, the law now allows the grant money to pay for transportation services, so people can get to their jobs, job training programs, or treatment appointments. This removes a practical barrier that often prevents people in recovery from staying employed or completing their treatment.

Essentially, this bill recognizes that people recovering from addiction often struggle with basic needs like getting to work or treatment, and it provides states with resources to address those challenges and help individuals rebuild their lives through employment.

CAREER Act of 2023

Barr, Andy

Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry Act of 2023 or the CAREER Act of 2023This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grant Program, which supports the ability of individuals who are in substance-use disorder treatment and recovery to live independently and participate in the workforce.&nbsp;The bill also specifies that the data used to determine which states to prioritize for grants (e.g., overdose mortality rates and unemployment rates) must be based on the five-year period immediately preceding the grant cycle. It also allows grants to be used for transportation services to and from the individual's work, training, or treatment or recovery services.