FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June  13, 2005
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Vance Introduces Legislation to Stabilize Drug and Alcohol Funding for Treatment, Prevention

 HARRISBURG – Funding for drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs would have a dedicated and stable funding stream under legislation recently introduced by Sen. Patricia Vance (R-Cumberland/York). 

"One in four families is affected by drug and alcohol abuse and addiction," Vance said. "It is vital that funding for treatment programs and prevention not be cut. With the majority of funding spread out within four different state agencies it is difficult to ensure all monies stays in the budget each year. In fact, two years ago the initial budget slashed funding for these programs before it ultimately was restored." 

Senate Bill 727 would create the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Prevention Fund that dedicates a portion of the revenue from the existing liquor tax to five separate line items for drug and alcohol treatment and prevention programs. In future years, about 75 percent of any growth in the revenue generated by this tax would be distributed proportionately among these five line items. 

"It only makes sense that as the Commonwealth markets alcohol more aggressively through Sunday sales, variable pricing and supermarket locations that the funding increases for treatment and prevention too," Vance added. 

The bill was referred to the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. 

Vance's district includes all of Cumberland County and Carroll, Fairview, Franklin, Monaghan, Warrington and Washington townships and Dillsburg, Franklintown and Wellsville boroughs in York County.

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