I joined with fellow legislators in support of legislation related to opioid addiction which continues to be a problem across the state.

Connecticut is finding new ways to save money and provide better health care by moving away from private insurers who administer the Medicaid program. By directly reimbursing doctors and hospitals, Connecticut is eliminating the costly middle man. For more details, read the Wall Street Journal news story.

I discussed the budget, Connecticut's opioid crisis, and gun violence in an interview with Comcast Newsmakers. Click through to watch the video.

Rep. Joe Gresko joins his legislative colleagues, hospital administrators, employees and patients to oppose the withholding of Medicaid funds from Connecticut hospitals.

Rep. Susan Johnson joins her legislative colleagues, hospital administrators, employees and patients at a news conference to protest the withholding of Medicaid funds from Connecticut hospitals.

Opioid addiction is a serious problem. Fortunately there's help. Here's a new number for people to call: 1-800-563-4086

Callers will be linked to walk-in assessment centers 24/7. Callers also will get a follow-up call by trained staff to determine if they were able to connect to necessary services.

New legislation (HB 5053) requires that municipalities update their existing emergency medical services plan to ensure that the primary emergency response provider on the scene of an emergency call is equipped with and prepared to administer the overdose reversing drug naloxone and has been appropriately trained to do so. It also prohibits commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone.

Representative Joe Gresko and his legislative colleagues discuss the epidemic of opioids and what needs to be done to combat the nationwide problem during a forum he helped organize in Shelton.