Congress Begins Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Process

Congress is currently in the early phases of the FY2021 appropriations process. Traditionally, Congress is supposed to pass their 12 appropriations bills, which determine federal government spending for the coming year, by the end of September. However, political debates often stymie the process, and short-term spending measures are frequently passed to prevent essential programs from running out of money while congressional members sort out their differences. Last year, the final spending bills were not passed until the end of December.

NBCC’s priorities for federal spending include SAMHSA’s Minority Fellowship Program and the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program, both of which saw substantial increases last year. We will continue to push for increases for these programs and make board certified counselors aware of funding opportunities.