The federal government has announced that Wisconsin will receive an additional $7.6 million to combat the opioid epidemic. The $7.6 million is the second part of a $15 million allocation through the 21st Century Cures Act. The first installment, which was received earlier this year, has gone to expanding access to opioid treatment, train and place recovery coaches in hospitals and improve data tracking through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
In 2016, more people in Wisconsin died from opioid overdoses than in car crashes. I have been working since my first term to combat the devastating effects of this drug. Wisconsin is one of the most aggressive states when it comes to facing the opioid crisis, including 11 bills signed into law just last week. Recently I co-sponsored Assembly Bill 335, which was signed into law on Friday and outlaws all fentanyl analogs, an opioid that can be 50 times stronger than heroin.
If you are someone you know are affected by opioid abuse, click here to be re-directed to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website, which includes treatment resources.
Propane Shortages
For those of you who use propane please be aware that shortages have already been reported. Fortunately, Governor Walker has issued an executive order that is intended to help alleviate shortages and wait times to get propane. The order allows for extended hours for drivers who transport propane for the next 30 days. It is believed the shortage has been caused by the closure of a terminal in Rockford and also because corn growers will need to dry their crops due to wetter than normal conditions this year. Click here to read the Governor’s executive order.
A Contest for Wisconsin Writers!
Wisconsin’s largest and longest running writing contest is accepting submissions until December 1st. Hosted by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters contest winners can compete in both fiction and poetry categories. Click here to learn more.
