Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced the creation of a new coalition to combat countywide alcohol issues at the CUNA Mutual Group in Madison Thursday.
After months of research conducted by county staff, Falk decided to create the coalition to fight the cultural acceptance of alcohol misuse throughout Dane County. The citizen-driven group, which will have its first meeting in December, will work to focus on issues such as binge drinking and may urge change in governmental policies and culture.
For the first time, citizens are coming together to say enough is enough with all the pain caused by alcohol abuse,"" Falk said in a statement. ""This group brings together the best and brightest minds in our community to help bring about the change we need.""
Steve Goldberg, executive director of the CUNA Mutual Foundation, also presented Falk with a check for $15,000 to use for Project Hugs, a program aimed at helping middle school students and parents deal with alcohol problems.
In September, Falk announced she would dedicate $60,000 in her 2009 budget to launch the program in two middle schools in the county. She plans to introduce a package of proposals next month that she will work toward getting state lawmakers to adopt in their new session next year.
