Home / Crime and Justice / NM Opioid Funds: Billions Spent, Millions Unspent
NM Opioid Funds: Billions Spent, Millions Unspent
16 Sep
Summary
- New Mexico agencies spent nearly all opioid settlement funds by fiscal year 2026.
- State agencies failed to spend 24% of opioid funds in fiscal year 2024.
- Over $920 million in opioid settlement funds will ultimately go to New Mexico.
New Mexico state agencies and local governments are nearing full expenditure of their opioid settlement funds. In fiscal years 2025 and 2026, nearly all of the roughly $32 million received was spent. This marks a significant improvement from fiscal year 2024, when state agencies failed to spend about a quarter of the millions they received.
These funds, totaling over $920 million for New Mexico, are intended to combat the severe opioid epidemic. In fiscal year 2024, seven state agencies returned over $5 million of $21 million received, indicating challenges in immediate deployment. Some entities cited the need to establish new initiatives, hire staff, and build service capacity as reasons for delayed spending.
The State Auditor's Office reported these findings, noting encouraging progress in spending strategies. While some agencies initially struggled, the improved expenditure rates in subsequent years suggest agencies are adapting their methods for deploying these crucial funds effectively.
