Politics & Government

Skelos Establishes Senate Committee on Substance Abuse

Committee will review legislation on substance dependency issues in the state.

Citing statistics on increased drug and alcohol dependency among teens and adults in New York State, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre, has recently established the Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

The committee will be responsible for holding hearings and reviewing legislation dealing with alcohol and drug dependency issues in New York State.

“On Long Island, the increased presence of heroin and prescription drugs, particularly among teens and young adults is staggering” Skelos said.  “By establishing this committee, the Senate is taking a significant step forward in recognizing that these issues continue to exist and doing our part to see to it that attention is being given to eradicate this type of destructive behavior.”

Art Rosenthal, executive director of the Rockville Centre-based alcohol and drug counseling center CONFIDE, lauded Skelos for recognizing the strain that substance abuse puts on families and the community. "This committee will provide a focused impact on statewide issues by implementing legislation that will assist in the process of combating substance abuse,” he said. 

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Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, executive director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug dependence, echoed Rosenthal's sentiments.  

"Alcohol and substance abuse continue to destroy the lives of individuals and families and by bringing this committee back to the New York State Senate, Sen. Skelos has shown his willingness to work together to find solutions to help those affected by alcohol and drug dependence," he said.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Skelos named Sen. Jeff Klein, R-Bronx/Westchester, as chairman of the committee. Additionally,  Senators Kemp Hannon, R-Garden City, John Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope, and Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, will also serve on the committee.


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