TREATMENT SAVES

Regarding the July 28 editorial "Engler's Bully Tactic Carries a Fair Warning":

It is unfair and inaccurate for The Detroit News to lump the upcoming drug
reform ballot measure with other ballot measures that will cost Michigan
money in some fashion or another.

In fact, the Michigan Drug Reform Initiative is almost certain to save the
state millions of dollars every year in reduced prison costs.

Yes, the measure forces the state to invest an additional $18 million per
year for six years in drug treatment. After that, funding levels are
returned to legislative discretion.

But by requiring treatment rather than jail time for low-level, nonviolent
drug users, the initiative forces Michigan to adopt a more cost-saving and
effective drug policy. This will have both short-term and longer-term
benefits as more addicts are helped out of their lives of drug use and crime.

A similar law in Arizona saved the state a net $6.7 million in the most
recent year for which data are available.

Dr. Joann Watson

Campaign for New Drug Policies, Detroit