Seward Bill Helps Employers

Hire Drug-Court Graduates

ALBANY – State Sen. Jim Seward’s bill to provide tax credits to employer who hire people who graduate from drug court or similar programs is part of a package of 48 recommendations in a special report from the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin & Opioid Addiction, his office announced today.

“A job is more than just a paycheck for someone in recovery.  It is a symbol of self-worth and a validation that others have confidence in your abilities,” said the Milford Republican.  “Employment is also a key incentive that will help motivate an addict to stay clean.  By offering this tax credit, I am hopeful that more employers will show faith in individuals who have earned a second chance.”

Seward has served on the Joint Senate Task Force on Heroin & Opioid Addiction since its inception in 2014 and has hosted two task force forums, including one in Oneonta earlier this year, to solicit input from local health care professionals, addiction experts, law enforcement officials, and concerned citizens.

Overall, the senate report incorporates testimony and recommendations from nine forums held during 2015-16 to develop prevention, treatment, recovery, and enforcement initiatives.

“New laws already enacted are helping, but we continue to identify gaps in service and other needs that must be addressed.  I am hopeful the assembly will join the senate and approve the lifesaving measures included in this special report before the end of the legislative session so they can be sent to the governor for his consideration,” Seward concluded.