Statement of Mayor Walsh

"Yesterday, under the leadership of Senate President Therese Murray and Senator Jennifer Flanagan, Chair of the Special Committee on Drug Abuse and Treatment Options, the Massachusetts Senate took an important first step in improving the way we address substance abuse in the Commonwealth. Through my years of work with the recovery community, I have seen, firsthand, how the current system has too many barriers and not enough supports in place for those in need. As lawmakers, we must do more to ensure that substance abuse treatments are part of a continuum of care that recognizes the various stages of the recovery process. I applaud the Senate for passing legislation that moves us in the right direction and urge the House of Representatives to act expeditiously on this bill."