Senate President Thibodeau leaves the rostrum to testify on his illegal drug bill before the Senate.
AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature today passed emergency legislation to combat the escalating drug crisis in Maine. The $3.7 million spending package puts 10 new Maine drug enforcement agents on the street and dedicates resources to treating drug addicts and to assist drug prevention efforts.
Governor Paul LePage signed the bill into law shortly after it was sent to him by the Legislature.
Maine lawmakers recently vowed to take immediate action on addressing the drug crisis after public safety and health officials around the state began reporting a sharp spike in the number of heroin-related overdoses and arrests around the state.
Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo), sponsored the bill,” An Act To Combat Drug Addiction through Enforcement, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.” (LD 1537).
President Thibodeau said, “This sends a clear message to those who want to sell drugs here in Maine: we’re not going to tolerate that kind of activity. We are going to make sure our children have a safe place to grow up.”
The votes in both the Maine Senate and House of Representatives were unanimous.
“It is remarkable when every legislator in the building puts aside their differences to do something that will help Maine. This is something we should all be very proud of, and it bodes very well for the upcoming session.”
Assistant Majority Leader Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot) said, “This legislation highlights the importance of addressing the drug crisis here in Maine. It sends the message to dealers that their deadly drugs are not welcome here in Maine.”
Senator Jim Hamper (R-Oxford) cautioned lawmakers from thinking their work was done on this issue. “Let’s not walk away and wash our hands of this. Maine’s drug problem is complex and will take patience and perseverance. This is a significant first step,” Hamper said.
Senator Eric Brakey(R-Androscoggin) said legislation, alone, cannot solve the drug crisis. “The solutions will not be found in the halls of Augusta. They will be found in communities around Maine and in the determination of drug users to overcome their addiction and lead productive lives.”
Senator Kim Rosen (R-Penobscot), who chairs the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee said, “Today was a good day in battle against illegal drug activity in Maine. I was pleased that our committee was able to work quickly and collaboratively on this issue and get it to the floor of the Legislature.”
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