Patty Schachtner of Somerset, a medical examiner and state senator, talks about how meth addiction has strained our local health and public safety resources.

MADISON, WI – Senator Patty Schachtner (D-Somerset) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here.

A written transcript of the address is below:

“I’m State Senator Patty Schachtner with this week’s Democratic Radio Address.

“Communities across Wisconsin are facing a meth epidemic.

“Between 2010 and 2017, the use of meth has increased by 462 percent in Wisconsin. That increase has strained our families, friends, and communities. It has also strained our local health and public safety resources.

“In my capacity as a medical examiner and state senator, I have spoken with law enforcement and health experts. The overwhelming response is that the status quo cannot continue.

“Wisconsin’s prison populations are heading for record highs, and counties are finding the rising cost of child placement and care unsustainable.

“That is why it is more important than ever to focus on expanding access to treatment and health care.

“Around 2.8 million people with substance use disorders have gained coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and millions more have access to addiction treatment through Medicaid.

“Medicaid expansion in Wisconsin can help our communities tackle the meth crisis, all while improving health outcomes for residents and saving state taxpayer dollars.

“Thank you.”