Press Statement  Bump on Passage of 2017 Opioid Legislation

Boston — Auditor Suzanne Bump today released the following statement on the passage of legislation to address the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic:

“When I testified before the Legislature last year, I highlighted our shared responsibility in addressing our state’s opioid epidemic. Today, I commend the Legislature for meeting their responsibility by passing a bill that will have a meaningful impact on our state, particularly those struggling with addiction. It will provide more tools to doctors and pharmacies, and take critical steps to prevent abuse by young people. This bill should only be the beginning of our efforts; it should serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to address this epidemic once and for all.”

Bump has been a long-time advocate for expanded substance abuse recovery efforts. She is co-founder of a residential recovery home for women in Brockton. Last year, she testified before the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in support of legislation to address the opioid epidemic. The Office of the State Auditor is also a member of the Interagency Group on Illegal Prescribing, which seeks to investigate illegal prescribing or distribution in the Commonwealth.