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Send to a friendThank god Mr. Bush is almost out!!!!!
A sweeping cut in federal funds is putting a crunch on drug enforcement programs at the local level. The outlook is so bad, a Chattanooga agent fears years of progress in the war on methamphetamine could be reversed.In January, the Bush administration cut the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) by 67%. Essentially, $520 million used for drug task force programs nationwide is being reduced to $170 million. The head of Tennesseee's Methamphetamine Task Force is begging congressional leaders to reverse the decision.
Currently, 90% of the meth task force's budget is derived from the grant that's being reduced.
"I think it's one of the most efficient and effective uses of federal dollars for drug enforcement that there is out there," said Tommy Farmer, Director of Tennessee's Methamphetamine Task Force.
The numbers back up Farmer's claim. In 2004, the task force identified 1500 working meth labs in Tennessee. Within two years, that number dropped to 700, and by 2007, only 600 meth labs were pinpointed in the state.
Farmer explained, "As long as the numbers are going down, we're appreciative of the fall, but on the same token, this is not the time for us to sit back in our chair and say well, alright, we're finished with the the game."
Farmer insists programs like his do more than reduce drug use. Drugs influence other crimes, like theft, domestic violence, and even terrorism. It's that global impact, Farmer's asking congressional leaders to remember.
The cuts take effect July 1, 2008. Farmer says his meth task force is in good shape until 2009, after that, he says, it's anyone's guess.
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