Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Establishing the Substance Use Disorder Education and Recovery Fund

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.4086/A.6553) establishing the Substance Use Disorder Education and Recovery Fund and authorizing gifts, on personal income tax returns, for substance use disorder education and recovery.

"The fight against substance use is a personal one for me, and I am proud to take steps in New York to combat this epidemic," Governor Hochul said. "Allowing New Yorkers to support members of their community with these gifts is an invaluable way to get everyone working together to save lives. Those struggling with substance use issues deserve our help and support as they go through recovery and in New York we are ensuring that they have just that."

Legislation S.4086/A.6553 creates a personal income tax check-off which will be known as the Substance Use Disorder Education and Recovery Fund. Money in this fund is to be used for providing grants to organizations dedicated to providing education, prevention, treatment or recovery to those suffering from substance use disorders.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "The substance use disorder crisis has ravaged nearly every corner of our state, claiming the lives of our loved ones and leaving families and communities devastated in its wake. Everyone has a role to play in overcoming the overdose epidemic and ending the stigma that surrounds addiction. My bill with Assemblyman McDonald to create the Substance Use Disorder Education and Recovery Fund and an income tax deduction for those who contribute allows everyday New Yorkers to be part of the solution. Substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery programs save lives, and our bill ensures that these funds will go directly to the organizations responsible for this work. I thank Governor Hochul for signing our bill, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to advance creative, health-focused initiatives that will end the substance use disorder crisis in New York State."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, "Substance use disorders are a health issue that profoundly impacts the lives of far too many. Often we hear the question, what can I do to help? This new law allows a taxpayer to contribute to a substance use disorder education and recovery fund on their income tax return. By providing an easy mechanism to direct funding toward supports for prevention, treatment, and recovery, we all can be part of the solution and do our part toward assisting those who struggle with substance use disorders and their loved ones. Thank you to my partner in this legislation, Senator Michelle Hinchey, I appreciate your dedication to this issue and thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this measure into law and for her continued commitment to substance use disorder supports."