Unfortunately, over the past few years, drug abuse, specifically heroin abuse, has been steadily increasing across the state and nation. Today’s passage of legislation to combat the growing heroin, opioid and prescription drug abuse epidemic is critical. As Chairman of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Public Safety, these issues have been at the forefront of my concerns. Improved treatment options, strengthened penalties, additional tools for law enforcement, including the safe use of Naloxone, and support for public awareness campaigns all will be critical in stemming the flow of illicit drugs and preventing further abuse. I hope that through these efforts we will make progress and prevent another family from suffering the tragic loss of a child to such senseless actions.