House Democratic Leader has "The Talk" on Substance Abuse With Incoming Lawmakers, Rep. Kivela Included

The top Democrat in the Michigan House says he’s warned lawmakers, including one who was arrested and recently charged under the state’s super drunk law, of the pitfalls in Lansing with substance abuse.

House Minority Leader Tim Greimel says he has the talk with all freshman lawmakers, reminding them they have to be mindful of how they conduct themselves in Lansing and to be responsible.

State Representative John Kivela, a Democrat from Marquette, had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit when he was arrested on November 9th on his way to Lansing.

According to published reports he had an open bottle of whiskey in his truck.

In a statement sent the next day Kivela admitted to struggling with alcohol addiction and pledged to get help.

While the charge of super drunk is still a misdemeanor it carries harsher penalties, including jail time for first-time offenders.