ALBANY – The New York Senate is making the fight against heroin a priority in their 2016-2017 state spending plan.

The Senate’s recently unveiled budget proposal includes $167 million for opioid abuse prevention, treatment, recovery and education. According to Senate members, heavy investment is in order to fight the heroin pandemic plaguing communities statewide.

“My priorities remain in cutting taxes and fighting our community’s heroin epidemic,” said Senator Fred Akshar (R-52nd Senate District). “This proposal is strong on both and I’m proud to have helped pass it.”

In addition to the funding commitment to combat heroin, the Senate’s budget proposal also includes legislation to prevent abuse of opioid prescription drugs.

In a statement made last week, Senator Terrence Murphy, co-chairman of the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, said the increase in spending is a life-saving measure for those struggling with a heroin addiction.

“After a series of task force hearings spanning from Yates County to Brooklyn, it has been made abundantly clear that this epidemic has no boundaries,” said Murphy. “Tackling the growing heroin and opioid crisis begins with properly funding prevention treatment and enforcement initiatives. No amount is too small when it comes to saving lives.”