The Cincinnati Enquirer: Editorial: Punishing addiction not the answer to treating it
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It's time for a different approach to help the thousands of Ohio families struggling with addiction. Doubling down on the failed policies and practices of the past is the definition of insanity. Nearly as many people have died of drug overdoses in Ohio over the past two years as COVID-19. During the pandemic, the governor shut down the state and took drastic measures in order to save lives. Don't lawmakers owe those suffering under the scourge of our drug epidemic the same?
"Punting on this issue would have catastrophic consequences," said Holly Harris, president and executive director of Justice Action Network, "but it's Christmas time, and we still have faith that leaders will do the right thing."
Please, Mr. Speaker, let them vote.