A proposal to use New York’s opioid settlement funds to offset potential federal budget cuts has sparked deep division among state drug policy advisors, according to Spectrum News. Chief Budget Examiner Peggy O’Shea pressed the advisory board to take a position ahead of next year’s $3 billion Medicaid shortfall.
Some board members called the suggestion hypocritical, arguing the state often ignores their guidance. Others warned slow spending of the $200 million fund is already harming overdose prevention efforts. A scheduled vote was pulled due to disagreement.
State officials say the unspent money is tied to multi-year contracts, despite criticism that progress is too slow. The board plans to revisit the issue in September, ahead of the October 1 federal budget deadline.
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