CAREER Act Gets a Boost: More Funding for Addiction Recovery and Job Training Through 2030

The CAREER Act of 2025—officially titled the "Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry Act of 2025"—is an update to an existing law that's all about helping people recovering from substance use disorders get back on their feet and into the workforce. Think of it as a helping hand that connects recovery with real-world job opportunities.

Refueling Recovery

This bill revamps and extends programs originally created under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. The main idea is to provide grants that link addiction treatment and recovery support with workforce training. This updated CAREER Act throws in some key changes:

• More Money, More Help: The bill bumps up the yearly funding for these grants from $5 million to $12 million, every year from 2026 to 2030 (SEC. 2). That's more than double the resources to help people get the support they need.
• Getting People Where They Need to Go: Up to 5% of grant funds can now be used for transportation (SEC. 2). This might seem small, but it's a big deal. Think about it: if you're trying to get to work, job training, or a recovery meeting, reliable transportation is crucial. This change makes those things more accessible.
• Fairer Funding: The bill updates how grants are handed out, using more recent data (2018-2022) on overdose deaths, unemployment, and labor force participation (SEC. 2). This means the money goes to the places that need it most, based on the current situation.
• Tracking What Works: The bill requires collecting data on how well these programs help people find and keep jobs, and what they earn (SEC. 2). This is important for making sure the programs are actually effective and improving over time. The deadline for the final report is September 30, 2030.

Housing Help Extended

The CAREER Act also extends the Recovery Housing Pilot Program through 2030 (SEC. 3). This program helps people in recovery find stable housing, which is another critical piece of the puzzle. Like the grant program, it also updates the data used to determine where the need is greatest, focusing on areas with high overdose rates between 2018 and 2022 (SEC. 3).

Real-World Impact

Imagine a single parent in recovery trying to rebuild their life. This bill could mean the difference between struggling to make ends meet and getting the training and support needed to land a stable job. Or picture a small business owner who wants to hire someone in recovery but needs help with training. These grants can make that happen. Even something as simple as a bus pass, paid for by that 5% transportation allowance, could be the key to someone attending their recovery meetings and keeping their job.

While the increased funding and focus on practical needs like transportation are big positives, there are always things to watch. It'll be important to make sure the money is actually getting to the people who need it most and that the data collected is accurate to show what's working and what's not. But overall, the CAREER Act of 2025 aims to give a real boost to people and communities working to overcome the challenges of addiction.