Davis Urging Colleagues to Restore Meth Funding September 15, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis has asked a House & Senate Conference Committee to restore funding for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. The Administration proposed eliminating the grant, which is heavily relied upon by law enforcement in Tennessee to fight meth, in its Fiscal Year 2006 budget.

In a letter sent to House Colleagues urging them to restore funding Davis said, "State and local officials across the country have expressed concerns that cuts to JAG funding could seriously undermine their ability to combat this terrible drug."

"Meth production, trafficking, and abuse destroys lives, families, property, the surrounding environment, and is an incredible burden on local communities and law enforcement officials."

A recent survey from the National Association of Counties entitled "The Meth Epidemic in America" highlighted the growing nature of the meth problem. Of the 500 counties surveyed, 58% responded that meth was their number one drug problem and 87% of law enforcement agencies reported an increase in meth related arrests in the last three years. Additionally, in July of this year Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez said, "in terms of damage to children and to our society, methamphetamine is now the most dangerous drug in America, having surpassed marijuana."

Justice Assistance Grant funding is used by state and local governments for law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections programs, drug treatment programs, and for planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.