Today, Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) held a press conference addressing the lack of action from the Assembly Majority regarding the heroin epidemic crippling New York State. Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) was in attendance and joined his colleagues in calling for action to be taken on “Laree’s Law,” which would hold drug dealers responsible if those they sell to die of overdose.

“It’s unconscionable that lawmakers can’t line up behind a bill that would take dangerous drug dealers off of our streets,” said Blankenbush. “This legislation would allow law enforcement and the justice department an additional option when pursuing convictions of those who flood our communities with narcotics. In order to slow and put an end to the heroin epidemic, we must educate our residents on its dangers and also attack the source. There must be a multi-pronged approach to end the flow of these dangerous drugs, educate the public on its dangers and help those who have become addicted.”

In January, the Assembly Minority Conference released a comprehensive report on its findings and solutions to address the heroin epidemic after hosting several forums and workshops across the state. The governor and the Senate have also acted to address the heroin epidemic, while the Assembly Majority continues to be the only body left to act.

“With so few days remaining in session, the Assembly Majority must act now to combat this disease and do what they should have months ago: pass legislation,” said Blankenbush.