Week four’s update from the Capitol
Your senators’ fourth week in Atlanta has proven to be a productive one. There are now nearly 100 senate bills circulating in the capitol, and even more senate resolutions have been introduced.
This year, I am proud to sponsor Senate Bill 88. The epidemic of opioid abuse and heroin overdoses remains an issue that we must address quickly and efficiently. Drug abuse treatment and education programs are critical to those who suffer from substance abuse. In order to be effective, these programs need to be properly licensed and regulated. Compared to other states, Georgia’s current regulation program is too lenient and has left room for a large number of these programs to start up. In our highly populated areas, there might be a need for multiple locations but for those less populated areas, it would be best to have one or two locations that run as effectively as possible.
Senate Bill 88 aims to provide a minimum standard to ensure that each program is providing the best quality of services possible. If passed, SB 88 would outline a new application process and would ensure these locations are inspected. Programs that fail to operate and meet standards might have their license revoked. These safeguards will ensure that programs provide the best care possible for our most vulnerable. People suffering from this disease need to be taken care of with the highest level of expertise.
As SB 88 moves through the legislative process, I plan to meet with stakeholders, constituents and people around the state to ensure that any proposed legislation will benefit all Georgians.
I am honored that you have put your trust in me and I will always put your best interests at the forefront of my decision making while here at the Capitol. Please feel free to contact my office at any time to talk about pending legislation or address other concerns in our district – my door and phone lines are always open!