The bill we passed was worked on by the Appropriations, Criminal Justice and Public Safety, and Health and Human Services committees of the Legislature. Ultimately, it ended up with funding for 10 new Maine Drug Enforcement Agents at a cost of $1.2 million, which will come from the Gambling Control Board. Money from the Medical Use of Marijuana Fund will pay for the treatment and prevention pieces of the legislation, a total of $2.5 million.
The latter amount will cover projects designed to facilitate pathways to community-based treatment, recovery and support services, as well as develop and operate a detoxification center with at least 10 beds in a northern or eastern area of Maine. Funds will be used for substance abuse residential and outpatient services for the uninsured. Additionally, part of the $2.5 million provides for an organization – that will b e determined by a request for proposal process – to expand and support peer support recovery centers, coordinate substance abuse treatment and recovery programs, and offer prevention and education programs in schools and communities.
Though comprehensive, this legislation is but a first step in the fight against our current epidemic. I believe one of the most important aspects of combating the drug crisis is ensuring treatment and prevention is done correctly. As with most policies, simply throwing money at a problem is not a solution. Addiction is a disease, and having trained, capable professionals who understand this complex condition is absolutely necessary. I am pleased that part of the legislation we passed calls for a request for proposals, to ensure that any group coordinating these important efforts in Maine is highly qualified.
Another tactic on which I am hoping to address the drug crisis is through my legislation, LD 1473, to increase reimbursement rates for methadone, with the hope that shuttered clinics like the one we lost in Sanford would be able to re-open. The stories I have heard from many members in our community have shown me that this clinic was effective and a great help to people who were suffering from addiction. The public hearing for this legislation is scheduled for Jan. 28.
While the drug crisis, rightfully so, has captured the spotlight in Augusta, we will be working on many other issues in the coming months. Energy policy, economic policy, education policy and welfare reform are all on the docket this year.
It is my sincere hope that as we debate and work on these issues we see more outcomes like we did on this recent drug legislation – compromise, civilized debate, and doing what is right for the people of Maine. Disagreements do happen and we can have productive debates. The discussions about and the ultimate solutions reached on the drug bill showed that it can work out. I was pleased to see that, and hope it bodes well for the future.
If you have thoughts on the drug bill that we passed, on the legislation I have submitted, or any other policy matter before lawmakers this year please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at dcwoodsome@gmail.com or 432-5643.
— Sen. David Woodsome represents Senate District 33 which includes Cornish, Limerick, Newfield, Parsonsfield, Sanford, Shapleigh and Waterboro.
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