On June 24, 2009 the House and Senate each voted to approve the Committee of Conference Report on the 2010/2011 budget.  The $11.5 billion budget that the Governor signed on June 30 became effective July 1.  The budget includes $3.8 million per year for the Alcohol Fund.  While this is not the level funding of $4.1 million that we hoped for, it is significantly more than the Governor’s proposal ($2.8 million per year), which the Senate initially indicated that it would support.

The budget trailer bill (HB 2) also contains provisions once included in SB181 (the Liquor Commission Modernization Act) including broader authority to close state stores, limitations on the creation of agency stores, and other changes to increase profitability.  HB2 also transfers the Liquor Commission Bureau of Enforcement to the Department of Safety on July 1, 2010, unless a study committee passes different legislation before that date.  New Futures is strongly opposed to the transfer and will be working with our Partners and the study committee on this issue.

HB 410 would authorize appropriately qualified Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (MLADCs) to provide integrated treatment for co–occurring substance use and mental health disorders.  This bill was retained by the House Executive and Administration Committee for further work.  New Futures supports this bill and will be working with the committee to bring forth legislation in the 2010 session.