Methamphetamine remains such a threat to the Beehive State that the Utah Substance Abuse and Anti-Violence Coordinating Council has identified it as its No. 1 legislative priority.
The council presented Gov. Mike Leavitt its annual report during a briefing Wednesday at the state Capitol. It calls for an additional legislative appropriation of $250,000 for treatment for youths and adults addicted to methamphetamine."The council's top priority is still the use and manufacturing of methamphetamine in Utah," said Leon PoVey, the council's acting chairman.
"While the 1998 Legislature responded favorably with the passage of two priority council bills focused on the meth problem, there's still work to be done."
The council also seeks tougher laws to eradicate methamphetamine use and manufacture and a public awareness campaign regarding the dangers of methamphetamine use and production as well as its link to violence.
Leavitt applauded the work of the council, remarking that substance abuse touches a broad spectrum of lives, among them drug-addicted newborn babies of prison inmates.
"This business of substance abuse is a sinister power that will ultimately undermine the health and safety of the community," Leavitt said.
The council used the occasion to honor three men for their work in substance abuse prevention:
KSL-TV president Steve Lindsley, outgoing chairman of the Utah Substance Abuse and Anti-Violence Coordinating Council.
Rep. LaMont Tyler, R-East Millcreek, sponsor of two pieces of legislation passed during the 1998 Legislature intended to assist law enforcement and stem the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Marvin Sims, manager and developer of the state's Controlled Substance Database Program.