Pubdate: Fri, 10 Mar 2006
Source: Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale, IL)
Copyright: 2006 Southern Illinoisan
Contact:  http://www.TheSouthern.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1430
Author: Ashley Wiehle
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

BRADLEY REVEALS PLAN TO CONTINUE METH FIGHT

HERRIN - The fight against methamphetamine is an uphill struggle even 
with all the needed resources. Proposed budget cuts to law 
enforcement will destroy any progress made with the meth epidemic, 
Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said Thursday.

Bradley unveiled a state resolution encouraging the federal 
government to maintain funding for meth-enforcement programs. Bradley 
said he anticipated his resolution would pass the Illinois House of 
Representatives in the coming days.

The proposed 2007 federal budget would reduce funding by $13 million 
for law enforcement programs in the state, including significant cuts 
to the COPS program and the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. 
These programs helped Illinois police seize nearly 350,000 grams of 
meth in 2004 alone.

"The fight against meth is very real, and any reduction of funds 
could reverse the progress we've made in fighting this deadly drug," 
Bradley said. "The fact is, fighting meth takes a lot of resources 
and many of the local police departments are already struggling 
financially. We simply cannot afford these budget cuts."

Bradley said the support of his fellow legislators, spurred by the 
calls of concerned residents, will be imperative to passing his resolution.

"We are relying upon people of this region, the heartland, to tell 
their public officials we cannot stand to lose these programs," Bradley said.

Tom McNamara, Southern Illinois Enforcement Group special events 
coordinator and expert on methamphetamine, said losing funds for 
either program could set the state significantly behind in its fight 
against meth.

"In the Byrne grant, for instance, there would be half of the police 
officers already trained and equipped," McNamara said. "We're talking 
about a dramatic kind of attack on local law enforcement."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman