Pa. session on opioid abuse set for Sept. 28
Gov. Tom Wolf initially called for a special legislative session in June to address the opioid abuses crisis. But with only a handful of voting days before the election
A joint legislative session focusing on Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Lawmakers are planning to focus on several bills already in the works, in hopes of getting them on the governor’s desk before the November election.
House GOP spokesman Stephen Miskin said some new legislation could potentially be in the mix as well.
Gov. Tom Wolf initially called for a special legislative session in June. But with only a handful of voting days before the election, he decided instead to opt for the joint session.
The session will primarily be an opportunity for Wolf to speak before both chambers to draw focus to the opioid issue.
At an opioid and heroin prevention rally in the Capitol, Wolf said getting legislation passed soon is key.
“After consultation and discussion with the leaders of the four caucuses, I know we can work together to make a profound and positive impact on the people of Pennsylvania by dealing with this issue before the elections,” he said.
Joint sessions are rare and usually reserved for budget presentations and swearing-in of lawmakers.
Miskin said the last non-budget-related joint session he can recall was for former Gov. Tom Ridge’s farewell address in 2001.
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