State elected officials from across the country are prioritizing mental health through historic funding efforts this legislative session. Specifically, Governors and State Legislators from both sides of the aisle are working together to introduce and pass state appropriations to fund the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) and other services to support individuals and families through times of emotional crisis.
While the Federal government allocated millions of dollars dedicated to the 988 Lifeline in the past two fiscal years, this money has primarily been one-time funding to help jumpstart the capacity building in anticipation of increased call, chat, and text volume and transition to and implementation of 988. Once federal funds expire, state investment will be needed to maintain staffing for increased capacity and innovative service delivery to help those in crisis.
Some states have explored sustainable funding options for crisis center operations and related services, like a 988 fee on telecommunications, structured similarly to the 911 fee. However, at the end of last year’s state legislative sessions, only five states successfully passed a 988 fee. This state legislative session, more states have put forth fee proposals; still, a growing number of states are seeking investments through appropriation efforts, signaling the increasing need for localized crisis intervention services like those provided by the 988 Lifeline.
A handful of states, like Ohio and New York, are eyeing significant funding for the 988 Lifeline in the upcoming fiscal years. For example, Ohio’s HB 33 would invest approximately $20.7 million in FY 24 and $25.8 M in FY 25 for the 988 Lifeline. Likewise, New York’s Executive Budget proposes $60 million for FY 24 to fund the growing crisis center network and builds off its initial $35 million investment in FY 23.
Some states have included 988 fee revenue as a sustainable funding option in addition to the annual or biennial budget process. Minnesota, for example, introduced SF 2588 following the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal, which would create a 988 telecommunications fee of $0.12-$0.20 per month in addition to an $8 million appropriation in FY 24 and $4 million appropriation in FY 25. Pennsylvania’s governor also proposed the FY 23-24 executive budget of $5 million in one-time 988 funding and a proposed increase to the monthly 911 fee, with 2.75 percent of that dedicated to 988.
Most states are still debating their upcoming state budget proposals and bills. Still, the bipartisan nature of these proposals and support for mental health and crisis services signal the possibility of historic investments in the crisis continuum and have the potential to save lives across the country. Vibrant Emotional Health’s Public Policy Department will continue to monitor, analyze, and report on state efforts to fund the 988 Lifeline.