There has been a lot of talk about the need to combat the opioid epidemic, but what has been accomplished? While mothers, fathers, sons and daughters continue to become addicted and die at an alarming rate, the heavy lifting in the Legislature has yet to happen.
Last fall, Gov. Maggie Hassan called a special session of the Legislature to initiate legislation.
A legislative task force was formed to gather more information and propose a series of bills.
The task force gave priority to the legislation that did not involve spending state money. An omnibus bill (SB 576) was enacted in January that included enhanced criminal penalties, substance abuse treatment in the Medicaid managed program and improvement in the controlled drug prescription health and safety program.
In addition, the extension of NH Health Protection Program was passed this spring, ensuring treatment for qualifying substance abusers through expanded Medicaid.
However, the major financial commitment of the state has yet to be addressed. Pending House approval is legislation for $5 million in prevention, treatment and recovery services and legislation for $3 million for drug courts.
An additional $1.9 million to enhance the interdiction of drug trafficking with local law enforcement also awaits House action.
State revenue has significantly exceeded expectations indicating that the biennial budget will have a surplus in the range of $80 million. There is no single solution to combating the opioid epidemic, but all the evidence has demonstrated that New Hampshire has a dearth of services for those affected.
It is essential that the Legislature complete its work to stem the tide of this epidemic by immediately providing the necessary funding.
(State Rep. Skip Berrien, a Democrat, represents Rockingham District 18.)