Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) participated in a bipartisan press conference to advocate for Assembly Bill A.8540, also known as the “Fentanyl Fathers and Mothers Act.” This proposal aims to establish a comprehensive Fentanyl Education, Awareness, and Recognition Program across New York state schools, including public, charter, and private institutions.
Recently, Hawley hosted students from the Oakfield-Alabama School District who presented on the increasing mental health issues linked to drug and alcohol abuse. They proposed policy changes such as raising salaries for mental health professionals and improving access to emotional support and recovery services.
Hawley emphasized the urgency of addressing fentanyl use among youth due to its fatal consequences. He stated, “Protecting our young people from the dangers of drug abuse is one of the most important tasks we have as state legislators.” He shared that many individuals in his district have been affected by the opioid crisis. “Thousands of New Yorkers have died as a result of a Fentanyl overdose,” he said. Hawley expressed pride in supporting this initiative and urged colleagues from both parties to join efforts in combating this crisis.
