Mass. Budget Could Put Treatment Funding at Risk June 24, 2004
News Summary
If Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney signs the budget sent to him last week by state lawmakers, he could jeopardize millions of dollars in matching federal funds for preventing and treating alcohol and other drug addictions, the Boston Herald reported June 22.While the $24.8-billion budget includes $35.5 million for the Division of Substance Abuse Services, it contains language that reroutes treatment money to non-treatment projects, such as a cervical-cancer commission, a batterer's prevention program, a peace program, and a homeless shelter.
"It's a misuse of funding and our main concern is the federal government may look at this and say, 'I am sorry, it does not fufill the requirement for the federal block grant,''' said Matt Hoffman, director of substance abuse services for Volunteers of America of Massachusetts, which runs several treatment programs.
Earlier this year, the federal government warned the state that it could lose at least $9 million in matching funds for not properly funding addiction treatment as a result of previous budget cuts. In a separate supplemental budget, Romney earmarked several million dollars for additional treatment services. But that move was later undone -- at least partially -- by state lawmakers.
Editor's note: Massachusetts residents wishing to express their views may use our action center to contact Governor Romney.
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