INCREASE FUNDS FOR DRUG TREATMENT

This is in response to the Aug. 9 letter stating that Paul Schilling's
death should be a wake-up call to substance abusers to get help and clean
up their acts.

The problem as I see it today is that there are many people suffering from
the disease of active addictions who would like help, but there is no
funding available for treatment.

U.S. drug czar Barry McCaffery has proposed an additional $600 million over
and above the $289 million in aid already given this year to Colombia to
help it fight drugs.

I have been reading about budget surpluses on the federal and state level.
I am not aware of anyone recommending additional funding go to treatment
facilities. Milwaukee has been cutting funding, not even maintaining
previous levels.

You want a wake-up call? How about one that states that money for treatment
and education of the disease of addiction are badly needed?

Jeffrey L. Starr Milwaukee