Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY) Copyright: 2004 Messenger-Inquirer Contact: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285 Author: Steve Vied Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) PENCE SAYS DRUG PLAN WILL FOCUS ON TREATMENT Report Generated From Summits Across State In less than a month, Gov. Ernie Fletcher will lay out an initiative to battle illegal drug use in Kentucky, a plan that will have benefited from information gleaned from 14 drug summits held across the state. "The drug problem is at epidemic proportions and should be treated as an epidemic," said Lt. Gov. Steve Pence, who addressed the Owensboro Rotary Club on Wednesday at the Owensboro Country Club. Pence, a former U.S. attorney, said young people today have to deal with methamphetamine, Ecstasy and oxycontin -- all "devastating drugs" worse than the marijuana and beer that young people encountered years ago. "A person on methamphetamine is apt to do anything with a gun or a knife, and police face it every day," Pence said. "The governor and I hope to deal with (the drug problem) in a smarter way." Treatment for drug abusers will be a central feature of the plan, Pence said, which is better for the individual and the community. "We will not incarcerate our way out of the problem," he said. "We can't afford it." The summits looked at the scope of the drug problem, what assets are available to fight it and what works and what does not, Pence said. As for the state not having a budget more than a half-month into the 2004-05 fiscal year, Pence called it a calamity. "I hope they get it worked out. . . . It's disheartening that twice now they've walked out without a budget." The 2004 General Assembly adjourned without a budget, as did the 2002 General Assembly. Fletcher has held out for a budget bill that includes changes in state taxes, often referred to as tax modernization. The House and Senate could not agree on any plan. "In my opinion, any compromise has to tend toward who won the last election," Pence said. "Governor Fletcher is the person the people said they wanted to lead." Tax changes are necessary, Pence said, because the state does not have a steady, predictable stream of revenue. Pence closed by saying that the state realizes that Owensboro is the economic hub in this part of the state, and its two public colleges need to train workers for the area. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin