Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) issued a statement responding to the federal government’s announcement that it was cutting $12 billion in public health support funds, of which $150 million will no longer go to the state of Connecticut. Those funds, previously authorized by Congress, were utilized to track the spread of infectious diseases, screening newborns for health complications, providing childhood immunizations and providing mental health and substance use support.
“These cuts are directly damaging to programs providing direct support to our communities. I don’t consider fighting the opioid crisis, providing long-sought mental health support or tracking the spread of infectious disease to keep our communities safe to be ‘wasteful’ or ‘unnecessary.’ These cuts will negatively impact newborn children and people in crisis in our state. After years of fighting to get more resources for these important public health battles, cutting this support is short-sighted and unacceptable. This isn’t catastrophizing – it’s real. Connecticut just lost money to fight addiction, provide health treatment and save lives. Who in their right mind thinks those should be prime targets for cost-cutting?”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969