Pages

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

CANDIDATE SURVEY – THE SEQUEL

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 addiction and recovery policies. This year 58 candidates responded to the questionnaire, the highest number ever. In an earlier Blog, I analyzed the answers from the candidates who participated. This Blog reviews the responses from the 38 who were elected. Of the 38, 20 are Democrats, while 18 are Republicans. Note: Not every respondent answered every question. Further, of the 38 respondents who were elected, 35 are incumbents. Finally, of the 38, 24 were elected to the Assembly and 14 were elected to the Senate. Of the 38 winning candidates:

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

·        32 would support adequate funding of treatment and recovery services

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

        On Decriminalization

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

·        7 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)

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

·        11 are undecided and would like to learn more

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

·        28 endorse continued criminal record expungement reform

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

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

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

·        38 would 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:

·        27 on public transportation

·        23 in public libraries

·        29 on college and university campuses

·        32 in homeless shelters

          A further majority endorse:

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

·        38 authorizing EMTs to dispense naloxone

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


 You can view the answers of any of the state legislative candidates to our Election Questionnaire here