FEMALE LAWMAKERS, DEA TO TEAM UP ON DRUG FIGHTING

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- The state's female legislators and the Drug Enforcement
Administration have formed a partnership to fight drugs and
narco-terrrorism, Rep. Gayle Harrell said Thursday.

The announcement came as part of a nationwide campaign called "Shoulder to
Shoulder," which has members of the National Foundation of Women
Legislators working with the DEA to come up with effective drug-prevention
strategies.

The 3,000 NFWL members from all 50 states are expected to meet with
narcotic experts in November to come up with model drug legislation. They
will then bring that model back to their states to share with other
legislators.

The campaign also addresses the increased use of club drugs such Ecstacy
among teen-agers.

"This is going to be an ongoing endever; this is simply the beginning,"
said Harrell, R-Port St. Lucie, who wore a blue-and-white DEA hat at the
announcement.

"We will be moving forward with legislation and also community awareness
down in each and every city and community in our state."

There are 31 women in the Florida House of Representatives and seven in the
Senate.