SURVEY SAYS...

 

In years when one, or both, houses of the state Legislature are up for election, NCAARBH conducts a survey of the candidates on issues of addictions policies. This year, all 120 seats are up in the NJ Assembly and Senate,, and the candidates were mailed the questionnaire in mid-August. It is intended to gauge general policy inclinations rather than pinpoint support or opposition for specific legislative proposals. It also serves as an introduction for some as to the concerns of the behavioral health community.

 

NCAARBH neither endorses candidates for office nor contributes donations to political campaigns. A candidate’s response is scanned and posted on our website. The remarks are not critiqued nor given a grade or rating. The 2021 NJ Assembly and Senate Addiction Prevention, treatment and Recovery Survey is designed to assist voters in comparing candidates’ positions on drug dependence-related public policies.

 

Of the 57 candidates who responded to our survey: (Not all respondents answered every question)

 

·         48 believe substance use disorders are preventable and treatable chronic illnesses

·         53 would support adequate funding of treatment and recovery services

·         42 would support a review of the state’s drug laws with an eye toward reform

 

On Decriminalization

 

·         13 would support the decriminalization of all low-level drug use, possession and sales

·         16 would support the decriminalization of all low-level drug use and possession, but not sales

A number indicated a need for an exception for minors.

·         17 do not support the decriminalization of all low-level possession of drugs

·         15 are undecided and would like to learn more

 

A sizeable majority of respondents would support certain initiatives to help individuals in their recovery, including:

 

·         41 endorse continued criminal record expungement reform

·         47 endorse tax credits for employers who hire people in recovery

·         40 believe in enhanced financial aid and program assistance to communities disparately impacted by the War on Drugs

·         52 would reduce court-ordered fees and fines for persons who successfully complete a treatment or diversion program

·         55 support an expanded use of peer recovery services

 

A significant majority of questionnaire respondents would support sufficient government funding to expand the use of naloxone to reverse a drug overdose:

 

·         37 on public transportation

·         34 in public libraries

·         47 on college and university campuses

·         48 in homeless shelters

A further majority endorse:

·         49 mandating that every pharmacy maintain a minimum supply of an opioid overdose reversal drug

·         55 authorizing EMTs to dispense naloxone

·         33 requiring a supply of naloxone in other public spaces, e.g. stadiums, arenas, theaters, etc.

 

My next blog will be after Election Day (Nov. 2, 2021) in which I’ll analyze the questionnaire answers given by the winning candidates.

To view the answers of any of the state legislative candidates to:

2021 Candidate Surveys

The level of candidate participation in the Survey, along with the deeper understanding of the complexities of the addiction problem is encouraging. The acknowledgement among a sizable majority of legislative candidates, that a sickness is better treated than punished, and that this approach requires a commitment of resources, gives advocates a foundation from which to work.