Rep. Cindy Weed Responds to Governor Shumlin’s State of the State Address

(The following was published on the Progressive Party of Vermont’s website.)

I believe that we should do everything possible to curb drug use and addiction in Vermont. Addiction not only adversely affects addicts and their families, it threatens the security of our communities and leads to increases in crime rates. Addiction is a growing health care crisis that needs medical intervention, but  currently there are not enough treatment centers to serve those in need of help.

The Governor’s proposal for more treatment centers makes sense. In addition, it is cheaper to send an addict to a treatment center than off to prison. Creating a healthier community for less money is being fiscally responsible. We know what works from pilot programs, studies, and hands on experience in the field from doctors like Franklin County’s own Dr. Fred Holmes.

Additionally, the Governor proposed some statutory changes that make sense, such as expanding prosecutor-led interventions beyond Chittenden County and creating tougher sentences for those bringing drugs into Vermont and those who engage in armed robbery. He also proposed grants for educating youth about addiction, such as showing the Bess O’Brien film “Hungry Heart” and having former addicts give presentations in schools. There is also national health care money available to help prevent drug abuse. Those initiatives, plus a federal $37M early education grant, can provide youth with the tools they need and the opportunity to be successful in life, plus they act as an economic generator by providing new jobs.

The way that we have been dealing with addiction is not working well. It is time to make the necessary changes and improvements that have proven to be successful. It makes fiscal sense and it’s the compassionate thing to do in order to have a healthy and vibrant state.

Rep. Cindy Weed