McCollum Applauds Collins, Klobuchar for Introducing Senate Companion Opioid Response Bill
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) today applauded Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Amy Klobuchar (DFL-Minn.) for introducing the Senate companion to Congresswoman McCollum's Community Action Opioid Response Act.
"The opioid epidemic has ravaged cities, suburbs, and tribal nations in Minnesota and across the United States. My bipartisan bill helps communities respond to the needs of low-income people and families in crisis because of the opioid epidemic and I am very appreciative that Senators Collins and Klobuchar are introducing companion legislation in the Senate," Congresswoman McCollum said. "Working together, we can make a real difference for people affected by this public health emergency."
In February, Congresswoman McCollum and Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) introduced the Community Action Opioid Response Act, H.R. 5124. The legislation establishes a competitive grant program to expand and support effective community efforts to identify and respond to the causes and consequences of opioid misuse and addiction experienced by low-income individuals, families, and communities. Uniquely positioned to address these needs, Community Action Agencies would compete for three-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million per year.
Grants under the Community Action Opioid Response Act could support a wide range of activities designed to prevent and treat addiction, stabilize the lives of addicted individuals, and support their children and families. Grant applicants would undergo rigorous screening by a 15-member review panel under the Department of Health and Human Services.
There are more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the country, each governed by a board that represents all sectors of the local community, including its low-income residents. Funded through the Community Services Block Grant, they have well-established and wide-ranging networks of private and public partners, including health care providers, social service organizations, the judicial system, local governments, and thousands of local volunteers.