Senator Fred Akshar (R, C, I – Colesville) has been appointed to the legislative task force created to develop solutions to combat the growing heroin crisis in the Southern Tier and throughout New York State.
“I’m honored to have been appointed to the Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “As a 15-year veteran of law enforcement and former undercover narcotics investigator, I’ve seen firsthand how the stunning and rapid surge in heroin use and overdose deaths has ripped apart families and destroyed lives across our community and our state.”
He added, “Law enforcement can’t solve this problem alone. Parents, families, schools, neighbors, health professionals and state government each have a role to play,” said Akshar. “As a member of this task force, I’ll continue working to bring together these resources, provide support and find solutions to save lives and protect our communities.”
Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said, “From the moment Senator Akshar was elected to the Senate, we recognized that his numerous years of experience combating the scourge of heroin and other drugs would be invaluable in our fight to stop the heroin epidemic in New York State. As a member of this task force, he will continue his work to provide more education, treatment and support for families, because he has seen too many loving families destroyed by heroin.”
The Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction was created to examine the rise in use of heroin and other opioids in New York State, as well as develop recommendations for treating and preventing addiction. Members examine the issues and solicit input from experts and other stakeholders about addiction prevention and treatment options, the rise in heroin and opioid use, and the potential for drug-related crimes and other negative community impacts. The task force then develops recommendations used to draft legislation to address the issues raised.
In addition to serving as Chairman of the Elections Committee, Senator Akshar also serves on the Banks, Cities, Codes, Consumer Protection, Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections and Labor Committees and as a member of the Senate Rural Resources Commission.
