Editor,
Our area is suffering with two major health crises – opioid addiction and the COVID-19 pandemic. In her first term, State Senator Jen Metzger has worked to address both.
She worked with her senate colleagues to pass 22 bills that directly support opioid prevention and rehabilitation. Also, her bill tackling illegal over-prescription of opioids will significantly minimize how many people are harmed by these drugs.
As for COVID-19, she worked to expand telehealth services for people who were unable to visit healthcare providers in person. In addition, she co-sponsored a bill to include a personal income tax deduction for medical professionals of up to $5,000 for the purchase of personal protective equipment and transportation related to the pandemic. She supports a bill requiring sick leave and family leave for those who must quarantine because of the virus. I’m also impressed that Metzger had staff reach out to seniors during the shutdown to see if they needed anything.
We need to re-elect Jen Metzger, a state senator who works hard for the wellbeing of all our citizens.
GAIL BUCKLAND
