Congressman Vern Buchanan is introducing new legislation to help fight the opioid epidemic.
“Manatee County is the fentanyl death capitol of Florida and I hate to say that,” said Buchanan.
He said he is working with other lawmakers on a bi-partisan piece of legislation. The bill will designate $3.5-billion for treatment centers, give the postal service enforcement tools to stop opioids from being delivered in the mail, and give seniors more access to addiction recovery programs.
Ruth Lyerly and Cindy Harney were in attendance when Buchanan announced the new legislation.
Both women lost their sons to opioid abuse.
“You can still see how much it impacts me still and we don’t want to see it happen to other families,” said Lyerly.
They are working with state and federal lawmakers to create even more laws.
Buchanan said the new legislation has bi-partisan support.
