North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik and a House colleague say they are working on legislation for a three-pronged approach to tackling synthetic drug and heroin use in New York and around the country.

Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and John Katko, a fellow Republican from Syracuse, propose spending the money on prevention of abuse and addiction, providing treatment to those seeking it, and giving law enforcement “the tools it needs to combat this epidemic.”

“Tackling this epidemic requires a multifaceted approach and we're working with our colleagues in a bipartisan manner on proactive solutions,” the two members of Congress said in a joint statement.

“Tackling substance abuse requires prevention strategies. We've advocated for an increase in funding for prevention and prescription drug monitoring programs, which was delivered as part of the bipartisan budget agreement and signed into law. We've taken action to secure funding for programs to combat drug trafficking and sought additional resources so states can bolster preventative substance abuse measures. These measures amount to more than $300 million in necessary funds to protect our communities from this growing threat.

“To support our law enforcement communities, we've introduced and championed, respectively, bipartisan legislation in the House which makes it simpler to ban synthetic substances designed to mimic illegal drugs and gives law enforcement the flexibility it needs to crack down on manufacturers and sellers,” the statement said.

“As the scourge of synthetic drugs continues to plague our nation, this measure has received the endorsement of the National Fraternal Order of Police and is gaining bipartisan support and traction as it moves through the House.

“Finally, we are working to ensure that every individual who seeks treatment for heroin or opioid addiction is able to receive it. Alongside a number of our Upstate New York colleagues, we have advocated for legislation to allow competent and qualified health care professionals to treat a greater number of patients suffering from addiction and put them on the road to long-term recovery.