Operational meth lab is coming to Capitol Hill
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“Legislators need to see what members of local law enforcement are dealing with every day,” said Matheny, the freshman state representative for the 47th District which includes Coffee and parts of Warren County. “Methamphetamine is taking a terrible toll on our families as well as our economy. We need to do everything we can at the state level to curb the use of the dangerous drug.”
Lawmen in Warren County and McMinnville have busted six meth labs over the past month. Last year, over 100 labs were seized around the county.
Matheny said in spearheading the legislative seminar, he hopes to raise awareness of the meth problem and perhaps cultivate support for legislation he intends to present next year. The seminar will include setting up a meth lab for legislators to see and a power-point presentation to show the damage caused by meth.
“I don’t think the drug is getting the attention at the state capitol it needs,” Matheny said. “This is a clear and imminent danger to our state and it’s about time we started getting aggressive.”
Matheny noted no money is in the budget for increased funding to combat meth this year. However, he hopes to earmark funds for the coming year. Matheny said he hopes to introduce bills to increase sentences for meth-makers and dealers and bills which would hold retailers responsible if they irresponsibly sell the root chemicals of ephedrine and psudoephedrine.
“I think the lawmakers need to know you can go into a store, buy $200 worth of legal chemicals and four hours later have enough drugs to sell for $2,000. And then, leave a cleanup bill for the taxpayers of about $8,000 when a lab is found,” Matheny said.
The meeting will be held at Legislative Plaza in Room 30 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Tuesday.