Thursday, October 1, 2026
A half dozen Democratic Nassau County legislators led by Olena Nicks are looking to have much more than the 8.5 percent of the $95 million in opioid settlement money distributed, as Nicks unveiled legislation to protect opioid settlement funds.
The announcement of the proposed legislation comes after $13.7 million in interest was moved from the settlement fund that the county operates into a general account, also run by the county. The $95 million is proceeds from settlements with opioid manufacturers, retailers and distributors, secured in 2021.
“That raises some serious questions,” Nicks said. “Are we moving quickly enough to meet the needs of the residents who are struggling? Are we honoring the intent of these funds?”
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Legislature’s minority leader, said that the settlement reached in 2021 did not outline when the funds had to be distributed. She said that every time she and fellow legislators investigate the transfers, they are told it remains within the fund.
“There are no restrictions on how that money is being moved,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.
Nicks noted that the proposed legislation aims to establish permanent safeguards to ensure that settlement funds and interest earned remain dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and education. She said the legislation would increase transparency by allowing the public to see how the resources are being used.
The settlement money is used by state and local governments and approved organizations such as health care providers and community groups. Nicks, who volunteers with the Uniondale Fire Department, said the legislation is about bolstering support and education.
“We need to support the first responders, the health professionals and the service providers who are confronting this crisis every single day,” she said.
DeRiggi-Whitton said that like her fellow legislators, she has also attended breakfasts and meetings. She said that many health care groups and organizations are concerned over the loss of federal funding — some even mentioning the possibility of staff layoffs.
“All of these incredible institutions in Nassau County, and we still can’t get them the funds they need,” she said. “It’s probably the worst thing I’ve seen in 20 years.”
Legislator Arnold Drucker said the decision by Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his administration to pull money from the fund is offensive and violates their commitment to taxpayers and residents in the county.
“It’s a betrayal of the administration’s commitment to this life-saving opportunity,” Drucker said. “It’s going to cost lives.”
Christopher Boyle, the director of communications for the county, said the practice of moving accrued interest to the general fund is standard, and that the money is being used properly.
“Like all other county funds, the interest accrues to the general fund,” Boyle said. “Opioid overdoses have declined by 16 percent in just the past year (countywide, according to the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s office). The money is being put to good use.”
Nicks called for the $13.7 million to be transferred back into the settlement fund and increase spending from the fund countywide.
“We need to act now,” Nicks said. “Addiction does not wait, and neither should we.”
The legislators did not say when the proposed legislation would be discussed among the other county lawmakers.
