American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Guide to Advancing Justice-Related Goals

In March 2021, Congress passed a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill aimed at combatting the devastating economic and public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The American Rescue Plan offers an unprecedented opportunity to invest in more effective and less costly approaches to public health and safety. Specifically, states and local communities can leverage American Rescue Plan resources to spur long-term, system-wide improvements—including strategies to reduce justice involvement, connect people to community-based services, and put people on a pathway to success.

While every jurisdiction has its own unique needs and challenges, American Rescue Plan funding can help create and scale programs that will ultimately make communities safer, healthier, and more equitable.

Explore Funding Opportunities

Here we take a closer look at eight justice-related goals that state leaders can support with funding available through the American Rescue Plan. For each, we offer a snapshot of the funding breakdown, key takeaways, local highlights, and other resources. Additionally, see how jurisdictions can use flexible state and local fiscal recovery funds for public safety and criminal justice initiatives.

Using state and local fiscal recovery funds to advance safety and justice goals

Keep people in correctional facilities safe and healthy Increase access to education for people in the juvenile and criminal justice systems Improve public safety and outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system Support people who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence and sexual assault

Expand access to safe and stable housing and supports Support economic stability and mobility for people with criminal records Help communities build comprehensive health care systems for people in the justice system Reduce criminal justice involvement for people with behavioral health needs

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About the Authors

Megan Quattlebaum

Former Director

As director of the CSG Justice Center, Megan Quattlebaum led a staff of more than 140 who work across an array of specialties that span the criminal justice continuum to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities.

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Before joining the organization, Megan most recently served as a research scholar in law and the program director of the Justice Collaboratory at the Yale Law School, where she taught as well as developed and oversaw research projects and led the organization’s work on behalf of the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. She was also the Senior Liman Fellow in Residence for the Arthur Liman Center for Public Interest Law and served as a lecturer in law at Columbia Law School. Additionally, she has served as a practicing criminal and civil defense attorney with Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in New York and an Arthur Liman Public Interest Fellow and attorney at the Neighborhood Legal Services Association in Pittsburgh. She also clerked for the Hon. Julio M. Fuentes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. She received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her JD from the Yale Law School.

Marshall Clement

Interim Director

Marshall Clement serves as the Interim Director of the CSG Justice Center, providing strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission of strengthening public safety, improving justice systems, and supporting state and local leaders nationwide. For 20 years at the CSG

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Justice Center, Marshall has played a key role in shaping many of the organization's impactful initiatives. As Director of the State Initiatives Division, he led the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, partnering with policymakers in 27 states to develop data-driven policies that reduce corrections spending, lower recidivism, and enhance public safety. His expertise in criminal justice policy, data analysis, and bipartisan collaboration has helped inform policy and practice changes across the country. Throughout his career, Marshall has facilitated high-level policy discussions, worked closely with governors, legislators, and justice system leaders, and testified before legislative committees to drive evidence-based solutions. His commitment to trusted data, practical policy, and meaningful partnerships continues to guide the CSG Justice Center as it works to be the most trusted, useful, and impactful partner for state and local leaders working on advancing safety and justice. Marshall holds a BA in Public Policy with honors from Brown University.