NO FUNDS FOR METH BILLS, STATE COMMITTEE SAYS

Members want Bredesen to step in, form task force to address drug
issue

A joint state House-Senate committee on methamphetamine legislation
could not find millions in this tight economic climate to fund a
variety of proposals aimed at stemming the state's fast-spreading epidemic.

Instead, Gov. Phil Bredesen will be asked to step in.

The ad hoc committee, headed by state Sen. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, has
recommended that the governor form a task force that will craft
comprehensive meth-related legislation over the summer and fall and
report to the General Assembly before the 2005 session begins.

The measure was a disappointment to state Rep. Judd Matheny,
R-Tullahoma, and state Sen. Charlotte Burks, D-Monterey.

Although not on the committee, they often spoke at the meetings
because they represent rural areas where meth use is prolific. The
pair of legislators predicted a year's wait will be harmful.

''We realize that by doing nothing we will be assured that the
epidemic expands from 43 counties to 95 counties unabated,'' said
Matheny, a former law officer.

''I'm just so disappointed. I don't know why we have to see the whole
state involved before we decide to get something done,'' Burks added.

Methamphetamine is a very addictive drug that can be manufactured in a
kitchen using ingredients that can be purchased at stores, from
convenience markets to hardware stores. The primary ingredient is
pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in a number of over-the-counter
cold remedies.

More than 30 proposed bills were filed this legislative session. Many
provided for harsher jail terms for those convicted of ''cooking''
meth or in cases where children were found in close proximity to a
meth lab. Vapors from the process can be harmful. But most of the
legislation carried a price tag - $7.5 million for lengthier prison
terms, for instance.

While committee members agreed any comprehensive plan will cost
millions, they couldn't find a way to fund the proposals during their
meetings of the past five weeks.

''We've got to get the attention of the Finance Sommittee,'' said
Cohen, who proposed sending the matter to the governor for study.

''The governor will certainly give consideration to forming a task
force to address the meth issue,'' said Lydia Lenker, press secretary
for Bredesen.

''A task force can be a great first step because you get all the right
people around the table, which is something he is very committed to.
You can really focus everyone's attention on prevention, enforcement,
treatment. The bottom line is, you can develop a comprehensive,
meaningful piece of legislation.'' Lenker said that with that kind of
planning, the funding can be ''accomplished in a responsible way.''