Maine Gov. LePage: People on opioids have ‘advantage’ over allergy sufferers

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Gov. Paul LePage said during a radio call-in show that people on opioids have an “advantage” of receiving free Narcan shots versus those who have allergies and have to pay for their medications.

According to The Associated Press, LePage specifically referred to a letter he received from a dad whose family members have to carry allergy pens for reactions to peanuts and bee stings.

People with allergies have "done nothing" but have to pay for it, the governor said during the radio show.

The Republican governor, who has served in his position since 2011, has discussed a bill to fine local governments that don't charge individuals who repeatedly overdose for the cost of administering opioid antidotes, and has opposed attempts to increase access to the drug, which he's said normalizes heroin use, the news outlet reported.

"The governor feels strongly that while we must do all we can to help those addicted to opioids overcome their addiction, they must also have some skin in the game," said David Sorensen, LePage's senior adviser, in a separate statement.

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