Gov. Walker, others, tour state signing bills to fight Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic

Bills include funding for drug courts and rehabilitation programs.

ONALASKA, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and other legislative leaders toured the state yesterday, signing bills aimed at curbing Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic. 

Attorney General Brad Schimmel was along for the stop in Onalaska yesterday. He says the state needs a multi-faceted approach.

“We are not going to arrest our way out of this drug epidemic,” he said. “What we don’t need anymore is going to the homes where somebody’s died or somebody’s neglected their kids.”

The bills include more funding for drug courts and rehabilitation programs and the Good Samaritan Law, which now applies for drug users, making them immune from prosecution if they agree to get help.

Eleven bills in all were signed at Onalaska’s city hall. Walker said that despite some differences, the bills have one common theme.

“All of these, about trying to have a full comprehensive response to a crisis that has no borders,” Walker said.

Representative John Nygren, who’s daughter has struggled with heroin addiction, is on the committee and talking about its next initiative.

“We’ve got this potential work force that might have had struggles in their past that are into their recovery,” he said. “Having a good job is a good way to stay in recovery

“So we’re looking at barriers that might exist in employment.”

County Health Director Jen Rombalski and state rep. Jill Billings are also on the task force.

And, while Walker was signing bills, La Crosse’s state senator said other activities are making the drug abuse problem worse. 

Democratic Sen. Jennifer Shilling said Wisconsin seems to be “going backwards” on substance abuse and mental health, because of budget cuts for drug abuse programs, and opposition to the Affordable Care Act.

Shilling predicts that close to 400,000 people in Wisconsin could lose health insurance if the Affordable Care Act is repealed.