Ending the opioid crisis in Florida is a top priority of our office, and this week, we received great news from the Florida Legislature. A bill to create the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse passed its first committee. The Senate Health Policy Committee voted 10-0 in favor of SB 1658.
The following day, the House companion bill, HB 875, passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee without a single no vote. There is not a corner of the state that has not felt the grave effects of the opioid crisis. Establishing a statewide task force solely focused on stopping opioid abuse is vital to our mission of combating the crisis and saving lives.
Florida’s Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse would:
· Study the cost of the crisis on state and local governments;
· Identify available programs that have been successful in combating opioid abuse;
· Work to better understand the sources of addiction;
· Explore whether there is need for additional regulatory activity; and, among other things,
· Evaluate and identify ways to reduce the demand for opioids and decrease the supply.
I want to thank the House and Senate this week for their hard work. And, I will continue each day fighting to end the opioid epidemic.
In The News
Exclusive: Attorney General Moody discusses opioid epidemic, WEAR-TV
Local police chief honored by Attorney General for Hurricane Michael relief efforts, WMBB
AG Ashley Moody honors Altha Chief Baggett for hurricane recovery work, Tallahassee Democrat
Another Opinion: Keep up fight against opioid abuse, Leesburg Daily Commercial
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Recognizes Altha Police Chief
Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a Back the Blue Award to Altha Police Chief James Baggett for tirelessly supporting his community after the destruction of Hurricane Michael. Chief Baggett has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Altha recover after Hurricane Michael came barreling through last Fall. Chief Baggett has taken over municipal jobs to fulfill the needs of the community. In addition to his already demanding job as chief of police, he collects trash by driving the town’s garbage route two days a week, acts as school crossing guard, delivers gas to retirees out in the country, helps with home repairs and much more.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Chief James Baggett’s remarkable commitment to his community is admirable. I am honored to visit the town of Altha and see his efforts first-hand. His dogged determination to make his beloved community whole again is praiseworthy and he is an ideal recipient for Back the Blue. Thank you, Chief Baggett for your exemplary and selfless service.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Swears In 2019 Florida Commission on the Status of Women Officers
Attorney General Ashley Moody swore in the 2019 officers of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. The swearing-in ceremony took place in Florida’s Historic Capitol. The Commission is a non-partisan body with a focus on raising awareness and celebrating the contributions and successes of all Floridians, along with providing a collaborative platform for those seeking information on issues that affect Florida women, girls and their families.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “I am honored to be a part of the swearing-in ceremony installing the 2019 officers of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. These leaders have served their communities and the state of Florida selflessly and touched countless lives. I know their continued service through the Commission will benefit girls, women and our entire state.” Read More
Volunteer Florida, Uber Announce Fourth Annual Suits for Session Service Project
Volunteer Florida and Uber announced that the fourth annual Suits for Session service project will be held on the Second Floor Rotunda at the Florida Capitol on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 9 am to 5 pm (ET).Suits for Session engages legislators and staff, state agency employees and other local professionals to collect new or gently-worn business attire. This year, the items will be donated to organizations in the Florida Panhandle that are supporting individuals re-entering the workforce after Hurricane Michael.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Suits for Session is a great project to help people trying to reenter the workforce, and I am especially grateful that this year’s donations will go to those trying to recover following Hurricane Michael.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody finished her tour of all 13 Attorney General offices throughout the state.
Attorney General Moody’s final stop was in Pensacola where she met dedicated team members working to stop Medicaid fraud and protect crime victims.
Pictured left to right: Investigator Amanda Holland, Lieutenant Melody Barnard, Attorney General Moody, Investigator Beth Christman, Audit Supervisor Kathy Coon, and Regional Victim Advocate Michael Dsinger
Attorney General Moody’s final stop was in Pensacola where she met dedicated team members working to stop Medicaid fraud and protect crime victims.
Pictured left to right: Investigator Amanda Holland, Lieutenant Melody Barnard, Attorney General Moody, Investigator Beth Christman, Audit Supervisor Kathy Coon, and Regional Victim Advocate Michael Dsinger
Attorney General Moody receiving a commemorative plaque from Florida’s state attorneys for her commitment to fight fraud and protect Floridians.
Attorney General Moody meeting with the members of the University of Florida Academy program at the State Capitol. The UF Academy is a development program designed for emerging leaders.
Attorney General Moody swearing in the 2019 officers of the Florida Commisssion on the Status of Women inside the Senate Chamber of Florida’s Historic Capitol Building.
Attorney General Moody with Florida House Pages and Messengers outside the Attorney General’s Office in the State Capitol.
Attorney General Moody speaking with St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce members in her Tallahassee office.
Attorney General Moody meeting with Volunteer Florida in Tallahassee. Volunteer Florida’s Suits for Session project is currently accepting donations to help victims of Hurricane Michael.
Attorney General Moody thanks Consumer Protection Attorney Robert Follis for making a training presentation to Seniors vs. Crime at The Villages. At the presentation, Assistant Attorney General Follis also received a Certificate of Appreciation from Seniors vs. Crime District Four Director Steve Renico.
