© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Portland Lawmakers Seek Apology From LePage for Overdose Remark

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland legislators are asking Gov. Paul LePage to apologize for falsely claiming that a high school student repeatedly overdosed and went to class after being revived with the drug naloxone a third time.

LePage told the story while speaking against a bill to allow access to naloxone without a prescription. The Republican says such legislation should require people who receive naloxone to enter rehab after being revived. The Legislature last month overrode LePage’s veto of the bill.

Deering High School leaders deny the story, and Portland legislators say LePage still hasn’t set the record straight. In a press release, Democratic Rep. Erik Jorgensen said: "It’s another example of 'Ready, Fire, Aim.'"

The governor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jorgensen said: "This didn’t happen, plain and simple."