Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle passed legislation today codifying their agreement with the governor that outlines a course of action to battle the heroin and opioid epidemic, a public health crisis ravaging communities and families across the state. The bills bolster state efforts to provide important detoxification, rehabilitation, prevention and education services.

Although it’s not perfect, Palmesano praised most elements of the deal and said the desperate nature of the problem necessitated compromise and action.

“Quite frankly, I would’ve found it unconscionable to leave here without addressing this growing epidemic,” said Palmesano. “It was so important for us to extend a lifeline to those who are suffering with this terrible disease. This is a growing epidemic that does not care if you are rich or poor. It does not care about the color of your skin, if you are from upstate or downstate or live in a rural or urban area. The fact is, this is a public health crisis that is destroying families all across our state. It was important that we do something, and do something now.”

Palmesano is pleased the legislation creates 270 more treatment beds and expands the scope of existing treatment programs by 2,335 spaces. It also reforms insurance regulations to tear down barriers to treatment and prevents the over-prescribing of opiates.

“What we absolutely cannot have is suffering addicts showing up to the emergency room, receiving treatment for an overdose, and being thrown back out onto the street. That is a response that lacks compassion, and it won’t stand in New York,” said Palmesano.

This session, Palmesano joined the Assembly Minority and the Senate Majority to make the case for tougher penalties for heroin distributors, particularly those whose poison causes a fatal overdose.

“These dealers are shameless. They profit off of death and suffering. I have a hard time understanding why there wasn’t consensus on strengthening the penalties we can levy against them,” said Palmesano.

Palmesano said that this legislation represents a good start, but emphasized that it is not a cure-all and that there is much more work to be done.

“This is the beginning of a long-term effort. We must remain committed to tackling this public health crisis until we have won this fight,” said Palmesano.