Advocates, Democrats and families of those who fatally overdosed have criticized the Blakeman administration for what they called the slow pace of spending the money as the opioid crisis continues, with more than 650 people dying of deadly overdoses on Long Island last year, Newsday previously reported.

Blakeman focused on safety, highlighting that the county has hired over 300 police officers and corrections officers during his term.

Nassau’s top elected official celebrated the county’s anti-”sanctuary” status at his State of the County Wednesday – doubling down on his promise to work with federal immigration officials. Republican Bruce Blakeman said Nassau is the first county in the US to have a federal cooperation agreement with ICE,

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman addressed constituents Wednesday evening in his annual State of the County speech, vowing to hire more police and correction officers and touting several controversial bills he backed last year.