ANTI-METH LEGISLATION UNVEILED

Sen. Talent And Rep. Blunt Announce
Filing Of Measure To Give States Resources In Drug Fight

U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, R-Mo., and U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Strafford,
announced they have filed legislation to provide Missouri and other
states with resources to stop the production and distribution of
methamphetamine. In a news conference on the steps of the Greene
County Courthouse on Saturday, Blunt and Talent detailed the Combat
Meth Act, which would provide funding for law enforcement and
prosecutors. They were joined by Greene County Sheriff Jack Merritt,
Springfield Police Chief Lynn Rowe and Greene County Prosecutor
Darrell Moore.

The act, if passed, would also increase education and new treatment
options for those recovering from meth addiction.

In a prepared statement, Talent noted that Missouri leads the nation
in number of meth labs seized. He said the bill would allow agencies
to crack down even more while offering addicts a way out.

"Our bill says, if you're addicted to meth and want help, we will help
you," said Talent in the statement. "But if you cook or sell meth,
you're going to jail."

Blunt, the House majority whip, said law enforcement officials in
southwest Missouri have told him that at least one-third of all their
reported crimes are meth-related.

"Meth is responsible for murders and assaults and thefts and
burglaries used to support an addiction," he said.

"The Combat Meth Act is based on their suggestions to provide law
enforcement with more tools in this battle."

A key feature of the Combat Meth Act is the creation of a two-state
pilot program that would provide $5 million to help prosecute meth
offenders. It would require participating states to enact laws
requiring mandatory minimum sentences and bail restrictions for meth
cooks and dealers. Talent and Blunt said it is likely Missouri could
be selected to participate in the pilot program because of the state's
meth problem.

The act would also empower the secretary of health and human services
to provide grants to state agencies and to nonprofit private entities
to help treat those addicted to meth, the legislators said.