Last week, I asked every governor and state insurance commissioner in the country how the federal government can be the best partner for states on the front lines of the opioid crisis.
Every day, 91 Americans die from an opioid overdose, and last year, 1,631 Tennesseans died of a drug overdose – 12 percent more than the year before – mostly due to an increase in overdoses of synthetic opioids. Last year, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures), which included over $1 billion in state grants to fight the opioid crisis, as well as the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which established new programs and encouraged those on the front lines to work together to combat substance use disorders.
On Thursday, I sent a letter with Senator Patty Murray to every governor and state insurance commissioner, asking for specific recommendations on what further changes to federal law or regulations would be helpful as governors and state insurance commissioners work to combat the opioid crisis in their states. As Cures and CARA are beginning to be implemented, we want to hear how these laws have helped state and local officials address the opioid crisis and what, if any, specific changes should be considered.
Last Wednesday, I called into Hallerin Hill's radio show in Knoxville to talk about how tax reform will help Tennesseans keep more of their paycheck in their pockets.
Approving Seven of President Trump’s nominees
Last week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee approved seven of President Trump’s nominees -- three to serve at the Department of Education and four at the Department of Labor. I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm these critical nominees.
Last Wednesday, I introduced Eli Richardson, a Nashville attorney, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. I strongly support Mr. Richardson’s nomination to serve as a district judge for the Middle District of Tennessee. He will be an asset to the federal bench.
Early intervention in mental health is critical
Last week, at a Senate health committee hearing, I told the story of Sean, a typical, busy, young adult living in Nashville with a full-time job who also attends college. Three years ago, he experienced his first schizophrenic episode – he then spent 10 weeks receiving psychiatric treatment. Sean wrote me, saying, “This may seem slightly depressing, but my story does not end there. The doctors and staff I encountered at the hospital and at the Centerstone clinic taught me to live productively again in society.”
One in five Tennesseans suffers from a mental illness like Sean. Without treatment, his story could have had a very different outcome. The 21st Century Cures Act – legislation I worked to pass last year – updated parts of the federal mental health system for the first time in over a decade. Most of the services, treatment, and care for people with mental health issues are provided by the private sector, like Vanderbilt, or through programs run by the states. The federal government plays a role through Medicaid and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which provided Tennessee with over $80 million in federal grants last year. Prior to our work on Cures, the coordination between federal agencies that provide mental health care was not as effective as it could have been, and I was glad to receive an update last week on the progress being made to ensure more people can receive the help they need and have positive outcomes like Sean.
On Friday, I spoke with the Brentwood Rotary Club about the Christmas presents Congress and President Trump are set to deliver to taxpayers and hardworking Tennesseans who have been struggling to pay for skyrocketing health insurance premiums.
To help Tennesseans who have seen their premiums increase 176 percent in five years, the legislative package would include a bill I – as chairman of the Senate’s health committee -- worked on with Senator Patty Murray. It has the support of President Trump and will lower health insurance premiums by 18 percent, according to Avalere, one of the leading health care consulting firms in the country. On top of that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, this package would also mean fewer federal dollars for Obamacare subsidies, less federal debt, and no taxpayer money bailing out insurance companies.
I also spoke with Rotary Club members about Congress’ work on a tax reform bill that will help create more good-paying jobs for Tennessee families and keep more money in Tennesseans’ pockets. The House and the Senate have been working together on legislation that we hope President Trump will be able to sign into law before the end of the year.
Health committee explores practical solutions to make biomedical miracles more affordable
Last Tuesday, I chaired a Senate health committee hearing on the price of prescription drugs where I talked about Joseph, a West Tennessean who recently wrote me about a $150 prescription his family couldn’t afford. Last week’s hearing was the third hearing the committee I chair has held this year on this issue as Congress works to find solutions to help Tennesseans like Joseph. You can read more about our first two hearings here and here.
On Thursday, I met with President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Jay Powell. We discussed the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement – NAFTA – to the auto industry in Tennessee.
Visit Monticello.
#182 in Lamar Alexander’s Little Plaid Book
