FreedomFirst - Issue Justification

Justification

Governor's Recommendations 2022-23		Current Year Budget 2021-22		Difference
Dollars	Positions	Dollars	Positions	Dollars	Positions
$360,050,173	335.50	$353,885,799	335.50	$6,164,374	0.00

Policy Area: HEALTH SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS

Issue: EARLY STEPS PROGRAM STATE SYSTEMIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SSIP)

Justification
Governor's Recommendations 2022-23

The Governor's Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2022-23 includes $2,827,717 in Federal Grants Trust Fund authority
to allow the Early Steps Program to implement Phase 3 of the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) required by the
federal government.  Without implementation of Phase 3, the state will be in jeopardy of losing its federal funds.