Portman amendment to support drug recovery services for students included in final education bill

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced that his amendment to provide recovery support services for students in schools and communities working to overcome drug addiction is included in the final Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Portman’s amendment, which he authored with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D- R.I.), will expand drug and violence prevention grants. The Senate is expected to vote on ESSA next week.

“Addiction is a common enemy that everyone should be willing to fight,” Portman stated. “Our amendment will help us address drug addiction by taking a comprehensive approach that starts on the local level – addressing this issue in our homes, schools, and communities. Preventing drug abuse and helping those who suffer from addiction is an issue that can break through partisan divides, and I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this legislation.”

Portman discussed his amendment on the Senate floor earlier this year. Video can be viewed here.

Portman and Whitehouse are the authors of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015 which provide a series of incentives and resources designed to encourage states and local communities to pursue a full array of proven strategies to combat addiction. This legislation includes provisions to expand prevention and educational efforts—particularly aimed at teens, parents and other caretakers—to prevent the abuse drugs and to promote treatment and recovery.

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Staff report