Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced two amendments to the HALT Fentanyl Act to include common sense resources to fight the substance use disorder crisis, both were rejected by Republicans. 

The first amendment would have doubled the funding for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant. This block grant supports states and communities’ work to prevent and treat substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and tobacco use. All Vermont communities have been impacted by the substance use crisis and this grant goes directly to assist them.

The second amendment would directly support communities recovering from natural disasters by funding local substance use disorder and mental health care resources. 

“Republicans aren’t serious about addressing this country’s opioid crisis. We need real community-based solutions that support recovery and mental health services. Instead, they brought to the floor a bill that aims to incarcerate more people rather than get to the root of this crisis. Incarceration is not a solution. We need to work urgently to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery options to work for our communities,” said Rep. Becca Balint.   

###