LAWMAKERS TO PARTNER WITH FEDS TO FIGHT ECSTASY, 'CLUB DRUGS'

State lawmakers announced Thursday they are working with federal drug
agents to fight the spread of ecstasy and other so-called "club drugs."

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is pushing a partnership with
women legislators nationwide to educate parents and youths about the
dangers of ecstasy, ketamine and other hallucinogenic drugs that have grown
in popularity.

DEA special agent Dave Lenartowicz promoted the effort alongside Sen. Kathy
Parker, R-Northbrook, and Rep. Monique Davis, D-Chicago, as well as Kate
Patton, a former Springfield resident and mother of Kelley McEnery Baker.

Baker grew up in Springfield and died of a 1999 ecstasy overdose in New
Jersey at age 23. Patton was involved in the subsequent passage of a 2001
law toughening Illinois penalties for selling and possessing the drug.

The law, known as "Kelley's Law," is one of the strictest in the nation. It
provides a six-to 30-year prison sentence for as few as 15 doses of ecstasy.

Patton subsequently started a foundation in her daughter's name for ecstasy
awareness and deterrence.

Parker said the drug, which initially reached the state through the
electronic music scene of Chicago, is now a serious problem downstate as well.

DEA director Asa Hutchinson said in a news release that the drug's
consumption in pill form and reputation for limited negative side effects
have contributed to its spread.

"Our youth are led to believe that 'club drugs' like ecstasy are harmless.
The grim facts show otherwise."