Contact: Rep. John Nygren (888) 534-0089

Madison–State Representative John Nygren, Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance,
released the following statement regarding his recent appointment to standing Committee on Substance Abuse and Prevention:

“I would like to thank Speaker Robin Vos for his continued support and leadership on this ever important issue. By creating a standing committee in the Assembly, we are sending the message that this epidemic continues to be a priority.”

Since 2013, Representative John Nygren has been leader on addiction issues not only in
Wisconsin, but nationwide. Wisconsin has passed 30 bipartisan pieces of legislation as a part of the HOPE Agenda. Through partnerships with law enforcement, the recovery community and healthcare professionals, and many others, Wisconsin is seeing decreases in the amount of opioids prescribed.

 Data recently released by the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is very
promising.
 When comparing the 2017 April-June time period to the same months in 2016, 2017 saw
17.5 million fewer opioid dosages dispensed. This represents a 12% decrease from the
previous year.
 When comparing the 2017 June – December time period to the same months in 2016,
there was a decrease of 433,639 total opioids prescriptions, or a 16% decrease.
 When comparing 2015 to 2017, 20% fewer opioids were dispensed. 1,039,646 fewer
prescriptions.

“I look forward to working with Chairman Jon Plumer (R-Lodi) to continue to craft legislation aimed at ending the epidemic facing our state as well as expanding access to treatment and recovery for those who need it most. While we have made great strides, there is still so much work to be done.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email