Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today to thank my colleagues Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray for this important opioids legislation. Parts of it passed out of the Senate Finance Committee as well. So I want to thank Senators Hatch and Wyden for their work on this very comprehensive package. This important legislation, which, I think, is the third in the bills we passed related to opioids, couldn't come at a more important time. This crisis is ravaging our communities. It is impacting families. We need to do all we can to help those on the frontlines. That is why I have been from Port Angeles to Spokane, to southwest Washington, to Everett to talk about this issue and to try to provide the solutions that my law enforcement and community people want in this legislation. I am so excited that the legislation will mean that there are more available beds through Medicaid to treat those addicted to opioids. This is something we heard about in every community in Washington. We heard that those coming out of our jails addicted to opioids, who had some modicum of an ability to maybe get off of opioids, then had to wait weeks and weeks for treatment in places like Tacoma or Spokane, where there simply weren't enough beds. This legislation allows Medicaid to cover treatment at institutions with more than 16 beds for up to 30 days.…”