The Senate and governor held press conferences today, highlighting the need for state entities to do more to address the growing heroin epidemic in New York. As Chairman of the Minority Task Force on Heroin Addiction & Community Response, Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) commented on the Assembly Majority’s lack of response to this issue.

“The heroin problem is our number one public health and safety concern in New York. It is spreading into all of our communities and taking lives at an alarming rate,” said Giglio. “The governor and Senate are taking steps in the right direction, and the Assembly needs to follow suit to help get our families and communities the proper help they need to combat this disease.”

Just over a week ago, Assemblyman Dick Gottfried, chair of the Assembly Health Committee, said no new legislation was necessary to tackle this issue. Meanwhile, the Assembly Minority’s task force published a comprehensive proposal of recommendations for combating this dreadful epidemic, available here: goo.gl/iQkMtx.

“I was proud to help secure $25 million in this year’s budget, but we need to make certain that it is being properly allocated to help those in need,” Giglio said. “I applaud Senator Young’s and the Senate’s stance on this issue, and hope our colleagues in the Assembly will do more to help those fighting for their lives.”