By Hank Russell
Nassau County Executive and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman was accused by the New York State Democratic Party and Democratic members of the Nassau County Legislature of mishandling funds that came from the opioid settlement, saying the money should go to drug prevention and treatment, not to unrelated services.
The legislators recently demanded the immediate restoration of $13.7 million in opioid settlement interest funds after the money was transferred out of the account meant to fight addiction and into the County’s General Fund.
Since Nassau began receiving opioid settlement funding in 2022, the legislators said, the county has collected $95.5 million intended to save lives, yet only $12 million — or less than 13% — has been spent while families across the county continue to confront the devastating impact of addiction and fentanyl-related deaths.
Legislator Olena Nicks (D-Uniondale) announced legislation to permanently safeguard opioid settlement funds, ensuring that the money, including any interest earned, remains dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery, and education efforts.
“This settlement represents the pain of families who have lost loved ones to addiction,” Nicks said. “These funds were meant to save lives, not sit idle or be used to plug budget gaps. Our legislation will create clear guardrails to make sure opioid settlement dollars are protected and deployed with the urgency this crisis demands.”
Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) said the county must act immediately to restore the transferred funds and accelerate investments in life-saving services.
“The opioid epidemic continues to take a heartbreaking toll on our communities,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “We cannot allow funding meant for treatment and prevention to be delayed while families are still losing sons and daughters. This money must be restored and put to work right away.”
Joining lawmakers was Larry Lamendola of Wantagh, whose daughter Lisa died from fentanyl poisoning in 2019. Since her death, Lamendola has become a tireless advocate for education, prevention, and stronger investments in addiction services.
“No family should have to experience the loss that mine has,” Lamendola said. “This funding was meant to help prevent tragedies like my daughter’s. It needs to be used to save lives now.”
Nassau Democatic lawmakers are calling on the County Executive to restore the $13.7 million in opioid settlement funds, accelerate distribution to treatment and prevention programs, and provide greater transparency on spending decisions. The proposed legislation would establish permanent safeguards to ensure opioid settlement funds remain dedicated solely to combating addiction and supporting recovery efforts across Nassau County.
Arnold W. Drucker (D-Plainview) stressed the need for transparency and public accountability in how opioid settlement funding is managed.
“Families were promised these resources would help turn the tide on addiction,” said Drucker. “They deserve clear answers about where the money is going and why life-saving programs are still waiting for support.”
Scott Davis (D-Rockville Centre) said the opioid crisis demands faster action from County leadership. “Every delay in deploying these funds represents a missed opportunity to connect someone with treatment or prevent an overdose,” he said. “We cannot afford to move at a bureaucratic pace when lives are at stake.”
Debra Mulé (D-Freeport) emphasized the importance of investing in community-based prevention efforts. “Education, outreach, and early intervention are critical tools in fighting addiction,” said Legislator Mule. “This funding must reach the neighborhoods, schools, and service providers working on the front lines of this crisis.”
Carrié Solages (D-Valley Stream) highlighted the growing strain on treatment providers and recovery programs. “Organizations that provide counseling, rehabilitation, and recovery support are facing increasing demand,” he said. “Opioid settlement funds should be helping expand these services right now.”
Cynthia Nuñez (D-Valley Stream) said protecting the integrity of the settlement fund is essential to restoring public trust. “This money was secured through legal action to address a public health emergency,” she said. “We must ensure it is safeguarded and used exactly for the purpose it was intended.”
Viviana L. Russell (D-Westbury) pointed to the broader impact addiction continues to have on families and local communities. “Substance use disorder affects not just individuals, but entire families and neighborhoods,” she said. “Strategic investments in treatment and prevention can help save lives and strengthen our communities.”
A Blakeman spokesperson told PIX11 News that interest accrued from the opioid settlement fund goes into the county’s general fund — just like any other county fund — and noted that opioid overdose deaths in the county fell by 16%.
In a statement, NYS Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs said, ““Bruce Blakeman promised that opioid settlement funds would go toward prevention, treatment, and education for New Yorkers in need — now he’s turning his back on victims and breaking that promise. It’s clear the only commitment Blakeman is willing to honor is his loyalty to Donald Trump.”
Long Island Life & Politics reached out to both the Blakeman administration and the Blakeman campaign, but did not hear back as of press time.