Contact: Sen. Leah Vukmir
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 (608) 266-2512
Sen.Vukmir@legis.wi.gov
MADISON, Wis. — The senate has passed a bill authored by Sen. Leah Vukmir, R–Brookfield, to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic in Wisconsin.
“This serious epidemic has caused the senseless death of too many Wisconsinites,” said Vukmir. “As a mom and nurse, I want to provide those struggling with addiction the resources they need.”
The approved bill provides grants to local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, creates positions within the Department of Justice to prosecute drug traffickers, provides grants to expand access to family and juvenile drug treatment courts, appropriates federal funds for substance abuse prevention programs for at-risk youth, and provides nonnarcotic drug treatment to inmates prior to their release from county jails.
“This bill gives law enforcement tools to prevent drugs from entering our neighborhoods and provides those already battling with addiction further treatment options,” Vukmir said. “I believe this two pronged approach of combating the opioid epidemic will save lives and prevent the further spread of illegal drugs into our state.”
