Shaheen Statement on Announcement that Funding to Combat Opioid Epidemic Will Soon be Administered to New Hampshire
**Shaheen welcomes funding for New Hampshire, calling it an “important initial investment.”**
**Following request from Sen. Shaheen, Trump administration announces review of funding formula that puts New Hampshire at a disadvantage**
(Washington DC) – US Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that $485 million in grants, authorized by Congress last year in the 21st Century Cures Act and signed into law by President Obama, will soon be administered to states to combat the opioid epidemic. Sen. Shaheen was instrumental in securing funding as part of the 21st Century Cures Act and has led the charge in Congress since November 2015 to provide resources for the opioid crisis.
“Time and again I’ve heard from law enforcement and treatment and recovery providers across New Hampshire that in order to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic they need more resources – finally, we can say that some help is on the way,” said Senator Shaheen. “This funding signed into law by President Obama is an important initial investment in the effort to combat the opioid epidemic. However, I’ve been very blunt with agency officials about the need to revise the formula used to allocate this funding, as it does not prioritize states like New Hampshire that are hit hardest by the opioid crisis. I’m very pleased that the administration has indicated today that they will review this formula ahead of distribution next year. As they do so, I will continue to provide input that demonstrates the great need for resources in New Hampshire.”
Faced with an all-hands-on-deck moment, we need action by the President and Congress to end the opioid crisis, as President Trump has promised to do. I’m committed to working with the Trump Administration toward this goal. However, it’s critically important that he withdraw his policy proposals that would undermine New Hampshire’s efforts to battle this crippling epidemic.”
Last month, Sen. Shaheen sent a letter to President Trump with a group of Senate Democrats urging him to stop undermining programs critical to addressing the epidemic and instead work together with Democrats to combat the crisis. ““We are eager to work together to combat the opioid epidemic, if you are willing to stop undermining the ACA and existing bipartisan programs that are working to address this deadly epidemic,” the Senators wrote.
