By SENATOR JOHNNY RAY TURNER
It has been said that a legislative session is a marathon, not a sprint. That is an important adage to keep in mind as we pass the 13.1 mile mark in this year’s journey. Thirty days in, progress is being made on some of the biggest issues before this General Assembly — drug abuse, the budget, and redistricting.
Drug abuse (especially ‘pill mills’ and ‘meth labs’) is a scourge in our State. On both sides of the aisle, on both ends of the Capitol, we all agree on that. It is an issue the legislature is taking very seriously, and one we have pledged to address.
We are considering legislation to tackle drug abuse in a number of ways — enhancing our KASPER prescription- drug monitoring program, strengthening licensing requirements for pain management facilities, and limiting access to required ingredients for meth.
We have heard from drug- enforcement professionals from across the State and nation, as well as from researchers, counselors, and citizens concerned both with the drug epidemic as well as their own rights and freedoms.
This is a complex issue that requires thoughtful, multi-faceted solutions. That is what we are hoping for — and working toward achieving — before the session’s final gavel falls in April…
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