Senator Martins Appointed to Legislative Task Force to Combat Growing Heroin Crisis

     Senator Jack Martins (R-Mineola) has been appointed to a new legislative task force which will examine ways to combat the growing heroin crisis on Long Island and throughout New York State. 

     “Children are the number one target of the exploding heroin epidemic. Far too many young lives have been destroyed by this dangerous and deadly drug. We need to do more to stop heroin and opioids from poisoning our children. As a member of this task force, I look forward to developing new ways to protect our communities and stop this growing epidemic,” said Senator Martins.

    The Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction will examine the rise in use of heroin and other opioids in New York State, as well as develop recommendations for treating and preventing addiction. Members will examine the issues and solicit input from experts and other stakeholders about addiction prevention and treatment options, the rise in heroin and opioid use, and the potential for drug-related crimes and other negative community impacts. The task force will then develop recommendations which will be used to draft legislation to address the issues raised.

     In addition to serving on the task force, Senator Martins is also sponsoring legislation to raise the penalties for dealing drugs to a child under the age of 14. The legislation was recently passed by the New York State Senate.