February 7, 2005

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

During my recent travels to talk with citizens in communities across the state, I encountered many who expressed concern about the methamphetamine problem in Nebraska. Meth is an extremely addictive drug that can lead to lasting health and mental problems for those who use it, in addition to damage caused to individuals and families.

The growing number of meth labs is a serious issue in Nebraska. According to the U.S. Justice Department, 245 meth labs were seized in Nebraska during 2003. New figures released by the Nebraska State Patrol indicate that last year more than 300 labs were dismantled.

Several bills have been introduced that would improve our ability to fight back against this drug, which is made from ingredients that are readily available and easily obtained. One bill, LB 117, specifically targets meth dealers and manufacturers by restricting the sale of pseudoephedrine tablets and toughening penalties for those convicted on meth trafficking charges.

Anyone purchasing the starch tablet form of pseudoephedrine would not need a prescription but would be required to show identification and sign a logbook in order to complete a purchase. It’s important to note that law-abiding Nebraskans will still have access to the medication they need.

Our goal is to stop meth labs from taking hold by limiting access to the key ingredient used to manufacture this extremely toxic drug. This alone will not solve the meth problem here in Nebraska, but it will aid state and local law enforcement in their efforts to fight back.

The Nebraska State Patrol estimates that between 80 and 90 percent of their resources dedicated to battling methamphetamine are used to uncover and dismantle meth labs. Meth made in local labs constitutes roughly 20 percent of the total supply available. Fighting the spread of this drug is not only time consuming and expensive, but is also a dangerous process that takes manpower and taxpayer money away from the real issue – controlling the volume of meth coming into Nebraska from other states and Mexico.

Nebraska isn’t the only state considering ways to limit the growth of meth labs. Fourteen states already have some sort of restriction on the purchase of pseudoephedrine and 15 states have legislation pending to either create or strengthen their restrictions. Those numbers serve to reinforce the point that our state could very well become a magnet for meth manufacturers if we fail to limit access to pseudoephedrine.

Last year, Oklahoma enacted a law that regulates pseudoephedrine and the results have been dramatic. Prior to legislative action, the number of meth labs seized in Oklahoma had climbed to more than 100 labs per month. Those numbers were cut in half when the bill was passed and by the end of 2004, were down to just 20 per month.

I am encouraged by the support this legislation has received from those investigating and prosecuting meth-related crimes. Attorney General Jon Bruning and State Patrol Colonel Tom Nesbitt know first-hand the damage done by those manufacturing and selling meth in our state and have spoken out about the growing problem here in Nebraska. I also want to applaud the efforts of state senators who have championed bills in this cause.

The intent of this legislation is not to take cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine off the market, or place undue burden on pharmacies through proposed restrictions. I believe that the citizens of this state are willing to take the extra step needed in order to help strengthen our ability to combat the spread of methamphetamine. It is my hope that everyone involved in this important issue will continue working to find a solution that will make a lasting difference in the fight against meth in Nebraska.