Lawmakers in New York State are voicing strong opposition to cuts ordered by Governor Cuomo to critical funding or mental health and substance abuse treatment. The reductions—of more than 30 percent—are due to a COVID-19-related budget shortfall. But they come at a time when drug overdoses are spiking in the state and the need for more treatment is acute as substance abusers face isolation and economic losses. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say more people will die from overdoses if the cuts go through, and community-based treatment providers are forced to close their doors. We urge the governor to maintain substance abuse funding at this critical moment.
Meanwhile, a bankruptcy judge has told Purdue Pharma—the drug company facing multiple lawsuits for its alleged role in fueling the opioid epidemic—to stop making donations to partisan organizations that might influence the outcome of the litigation. The decision comes after Purdue last year made donations of $185,000 to political groups after declaring bankruptcy.
And finally, with cigarette sales declining and e-cigarettes under siege for causing a teen nicotine epidemic, Big Tobacco’s Altria is making bets on a new product—heated-tobacco. The company says it is expanding marketing for the product although the FDA won’t allow it to claim it reduces overall risks to smokers.