Inslee previews budget strategy to take down fentanyl
Photo Credit: Washington State Governor’s Office.
By Cole Goodwin
White Salmon, WA, December 5, 2023 – Governor Jay Inslee, convened a roundtable discussion with experts at Evergreen Recovery Center in Everett on Monday to discuss budget changes to address the fentanyl crisis. Inslee has proposed a substantial budget increase which would earmark over $50 million to combat opioid misuse for the 2023–25 biennium.
This financial boost aims to complement the state’s existing efforts funded through $82 million opioid settlements from drug manufacturers and pharmacies, acknowledged as partial contributors to the opioid epidemic. These funds are additional to general fund investments included in the 2023–25 biennial budget, which already allocates over $200 million towards various substance use disorder (SUD) initiatives. These initiatives encompass operational costs for SUD treatment facilities, rent assistance for affected individuals, treatment subsidies, criminal diversion programs, peer support services, and Tribal SUD grants.
Statistics from the Washington Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) show that state has witnessed a staggering 1670% increase in fentanyl seizures from 2019 to 2022. This surge reflects a broader national trend where methamphetamine and synthetic opioids, predominantly fentanyl, are increasingly responsible for drug-related fatalities.
In a notable legal development in 2021, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that felony drug possession was unconstitutional, a decision reflecting the shifting landscape of drug policy and law enforcement in the state.
As the legislative session approaches, stakeholders from various sectors are keenly awaiting the outcomes of these proposals. Health agencies continue to emphasize the importance of community awareness, education, and the availability of resources for those struggling with addiction. The fight against the fentanyl crisis is not just a governmental battle; it is a community endeavor that calls for collective action and support.
