Summer 2005

2005 Legislative Breakfast in Buffalo

JEFFREY DINOWITZ, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, was the featured speaker at the 2005 Legislative Breakfast held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in March.

In his keynote address, Mr. Dinowitz made the following remarks: "As chair of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, I have traveled to all parts of New York State to visit prevention programs and treatment centers to learn about the field of alcoholism and drug abuse.

"It's clear to me that this field has dedicated professionals who are making a positive impact on many lives. What you do not only affects those seeking help, but you also touch the lives of so many family members and friends. Yet cuts are being proposed this year to the field. If these cuts go through it will severely reduce resources and services to thousands across New York State....

"I strongly believe that we must educate our children at an early age on the dangers of alcohol and drugs and that treatment centers serving our communities have what they need to continue to perform their services.

"The third priority of mine as Chair this year is passing a comprehensive bill on methamphetamine. Not only is the use of methamphetamine rising, but the manufacturing of methamphetamine is becoming a major problem.

"I am working on legislation that would combat both the use and manufacturing of methamphetamine in New York.

"We must address the effects of this terrible drug now before it escalates into a full-blown crisis."

INTERVIEWED by the local ABC affiliate, WKBW-TV, Mr. Dinowitz amplified his remarks on the growing threat of methamphetamine, saying that more stringent laws on its manufacture in Pennsylvania had pushed many meth labs up into New York's southern tier counties.

Also addressing the almost 100 guests at the breakfast were outgoing Commissioner, Erie County Department of Mental Health Michael Weiner (now Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Social Services) and his successor at ECDMH, Philip R. Endress.

Commissioner Weiner was presented with an award for his services to the field, as was State Senator Mary Lou Rath. Also attending the event were State Senator William Stachowski as well as Assembly Members Crystal D. Peoples and Sam Hoyt, who introduced Mr. Dinowitz.