CARSON ROLLS OUT NEW ANTI-METH LEGISLATION

Second District Congressman Brad Carson says he's introduced legislation to
help communities hit by the methamphetamine epidemic because "it's the
state's number one law enforcement problem.

"Our jails are filled because of it; it's ripping apart families," Carson
said this morning.

Carson introduced the Rural Safety and Law Enforcement Act in Congress this
week.

If the bill passes, it will provide funds and federal resources for what
Carson considers a comprehensive approach to the methamphetamine problem -
law enforcement, education, prevention and treatment.

Carson, who is running for the U.S. Senate, is hopeful congress will pass
the bill.

"Methamphetamine is in California. It's in Texas and the Midwest," Carson
said. "These things are never easy, but I think there's momentum to do
something about methamphetamine."

Carson noted that not only people jailed on methamphetamine-related charges
are affected by the drug.

"I've spoken with a lot of sheriffs," Carson said. "A lot of them said if
it wasn't for methamphetamine, they wouldn't have anybody in jail."

He said methamphetamine contributes to everything from burglaries to child
abuse.

Carson's bill will enhance the Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS)
program. It would give rural communities a chance to obtain federal grants
for officers and equipment to help in the battle against methamphetamine.

Carson believes the education, prevention and treatment part of the bill is
also important. It includes a pilot program to set up substance abuse
treatment facilities in rural communities.

Funding for prevention education would be made through local community
organizations.

Carson's bill does not have a dollar figure attached to it at this point.

"We're sending it down to the Congressional Budget Office," Carson said.
The estimated cost of funding the provision in the bill should soon be
available, he said.