President Biden requests $1.1 billion increase for SAPT BG

Abstract

Last week the White House sent its budget request to Congress, calling for a $1.1 billion increase for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment block grant. The President also requested an addition $475 million for SOR. STR was replaced by SOR and not funded since. The State Opioid Response (SOR) grants going to states received an increase in the final appropriations bill approved by Congress March 11, to $1.525 billion from $1.5 billion. Although called “opioid” grants, this money can be spent on stimulant use disorders as well. The SOR grants go to the state alcohol and drug abuse directors: the Single State Authorities (SSAs) who have jurisdiction over the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) block grant. Last year the White House also requested a similar increase for the SAPT BG for FY 2022, but it was not appropriated by Congress which only added $50 million (see Spending bill: Increases in SAPT block grant, SOR, NIDA, ADAW March 21; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33379). More details next week on the White House budget request for FY 2023.