Politics & Government

DiGirolamo Lauds Governor for Drug, Alcohol Department

Governor named Gary Tennis secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

 

Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-18th) released the following statement upon the announcement of Gary Tennis as the new secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

DiGirolamo, a long-time advocate for drug and alcohol treatment, sponsored the legislation to create the new department, which becomes official now that a secretary has been named:

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“Gary is a tremendous choice to lead this new department, as his wealth of experience in legislation and law enforcement, not to mention with the President’s Commission on Model State Drug Laws, will be exactly the type of knowledge needed to get this new department up and running. His expertise, along with his passion for effective drug and alcohol treatment programs, will allow the department to help thousands of people access the treatment programs they need to get and stay healthy.

“Not only will Gary’s service benefit people each day, but with more people seeking treatment and helping families beat the perils of addiction, the department has the potential to reduce crime and ultimately save taxpayer money.

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“I applaud Governor Tom Corbett for his selection and for his commitment to ensuring that those in need have the best access to treatment programs.”

Tennis still must be confirmed by the state Senate. The department was elevated to a cabinet level, from being a bureau in the Department of Health, as part of Act 50 of 2010.


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