The nation's so-called "drug czar," Gil Kerlikowske, says the federal budget sequestration could mean less money for substance abuse treatment in Wisconsin. Kerlikowske directs the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. During a forum in Milwaukee, Kerlikowske said if the federal budget cuts completely go through, Wisconsin would lose about $1.4 million to prevent and treat substance abuse, resulting in 2,600 fewer admissions to treatment programs. Kerlikowske says that would be bad news for communities and local law enforcement: "Because these are folks that you want to help and these are folks that you don't want to cause a problem in their community." Kerlikowske says it would be "heavy lifting" for any state to try to make up the reduction in federal drug treatment dollars. Congress and President Obama are reportedly considering whether to let the rest of the sequester cuts take effect, or come up with another budget plan.
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