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7/18/2003
MA: Amid Budget Cuts, Treatment Attacked
Some Massachusetts lawmakers are questioning the priority placed on funding addiction treatment, noting that treatment programs receive more state money than any single state college, community policing, or a program to expand kindergarten from half-day to full-day.
The Lowell Sun reported July 14 that despite widespread budget cuts, lawmakers dedicated $37 million to addiction treatment. Some legislators complained that treatment should be the last priority, not the first.
"I'm just saying that if we came down to our last dollar, this would not be where I would put that last dollar," said Rep. Bradley Jones of North Reading.
Putting aside $4.5 million for methadone treatment was particularly problematic for some legislators, although advocates said that the funding would save the state in incarceration and healthcare costs.
"We've got elderly people who really need help and have been cut just like schools and public safety, yet we have to put in the methadone funding," said Rep. Robert A. Hargraves (R-Groton). "I'd like to see that money go to things like nursing homes."
7/18/2003
MA: Amid Budget Cuts, Treatment Attacked
Some Massachusetts lawmakers are questioning the priority placed on funding addiction treatment, noting that treatment programs receive more state money than any single state college, community policing, or a program to expand kindergarten from half-day to full-day.
The Lowell Sun reported July 14 that despite widespread budget cuts, lawmakers dedicated $37 million to addiction treatment. Some legislators complained that treatment should be the last priority, not the first.
"I'm just saying that if we came down to our last dollar, this would not be where I would put that last dollar," said Rep. Bradley Jones of North Reading.
Putting aside $4.5 million for methadone treatment was particularly problematic for some legislators, although advocates said that the funding would save the state in incarceration and healthcare costs.
"We've got elderly people who really need help and have been cut just like schools and public safety, yet we have to put in the methadone funding," said Rep. Robert A. Hargraves (R-Groton). "I'd like to see that money go to things like nursing homes."
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