Shortly before finishing its work and adjourning for the summer, Ohio Senate leaders at the request of Senator Terry Johnson (R-Portsmouth), established a new committee to examine the challenges facing communities as a result of the opioid epidemic and notably to determine how state dollars are being spent fighting addiction and if that money is being put to good use.

The Senate Addictions and Community Revitalization Committee is chaired by Senator Terry Johnson and includes the following other Senators: Sen. Steven Huffman (R- Tipp City), Sen. Frank Hoagland (R-Mingo Junction), Sen. Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), Sen. Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) and Sen. Michael Rulli (R-Salem). At this point, no Democratic senators have been appointed to serve on the committee. According to Senator Johnson, the current plan is for the committee to hold several hearings around the state to hear from different communities and stakeholders and complete its activities in late summer or early fall. It is not known whether the committee plans to issue a report or draft legislation based on its findings.

The committee held its first hearing on June 6 in Portsmouth at Shawnee State University and heard from various invited witnesses. However, neither The Ohio Council nor any Ohio Council member were invited to testify. The Ohio Council has engaged Senator Johnson and other committee members to request to participate in future hearings to ensure that behavioral health providers have a voice at the table. We encourage members to reach out to their own senators, especially if they are serving on this new committee, to offer them a tour of your facility; educate them on your efforts, achievements, and challenges; and begin to develop and/or strengthen your relationships with lawmakers.

To find your state senator or representative, please use this resource: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislators/district-maps.