For Immediate Release Contact: Rep. Paul Tittl
April 4, 2017 (608) 266-0315
Assembly passes legislation on H.O.P.E. and Cheese
Madison: State Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) voted in favor of several H.O.P.E. Agenda bills, which focus on opioid addiction prevention and treatment. During the session on Tuesday, April 4, the Assembly overwhelmingly approved nine bills to expand treatment options and prevention programs to help attack the growing opioid problem in Wisconsin.
“I’m confident these bills will have a great impact in Wisconsin as we continue to fight the prescription opioid epidemic,” said Tittl. “Opioid addiction is a growing problem in my district and the state as a whole. I’m glad to play a part in helping provide treatment for those struggling with addiction.”
The bills focus on expanding Treatment and Diversion (TAD) programs, improving access to wide-ranging addiction medicine opportunities, and partnering with law enforcement to fight drug trafficking.
The nine bills are part of the Special Session on Opioid Abuse called by Governor Walker. The legislation also continues the Assembly Republican efforts on the Heroin, Opioid, Prevention and Education – or H.O.P.E. – Agenda. The Legislature unanimously approved 17 H.O.P.E. Agenda bills that became law during the past two sessions.
“This epidemic has taken far too many lives in Wisconsin,” said Tittl. “We must continue to do all we can to expand access to treatment and connect people who suffer from addiction with the help they need.”
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, prescription painkiller abuse is a public health crisis in the state. Drug overdoses are now claiming more lives than car accidents, and four out of five heroin users started with prescription drugs that were legally prescribed to them.
For more information on the HOPE Agenda, visit the following website: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/hope/.
The Assembly also approved Assembly Bill 73, which designated cheese as the State Dairy Product of Wisconsin. The bill was proposed by a group of grade school students from the 51st Assembly District.
“This bill is very important to our dairy industry,” said Tittl. “Manitowoc County is a leader in the agriculture and dairy industry in the state, so I am pleased to support a bill that promotes such an important part of the economy of the 25th Assembly District.”
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