Liberal Democrats Push Failed Drug Policy in Colorado, Ignoring Public Concerns
Once again, Denver progressives are pushing for the legalization and funding of "drug shooting galleries" in Colorado.
Rep. Elisabeth Epps and Sen. Kevin Priola are making their second attempt to pass legislation that would establish "safe injection sites" for illegal drug users. However, this ultra-liberal program has proven to be a complete failure in other cities and was overwhelmingly rejected by the Democrat majority during the previous legislative session.
Epps and Priola were the prime sponsors of a similar effort in 2023, which ultimately failed to gain support in a Democrat-controlled Senate committee after passing in the House. Interestingly, the current 2024 effort only includes the names of Epps and Priola, in contrast to the previous bill that had over 30 House and Senate co-sponsors.
PRIME SPONSORS
This lack of support highlights the growing concerns surrounding this misguided proposal
Back in 2019, then State Senator Brittany Pettersen, now representing Colorado's 7th Congressional District, also proposed the idea of injection sites in Denver but quickly abandoned the idea due to a lack of support from fellow Democrats. It seems that even within their own party, there is skepticism about the effectiveness and potential consequences of such a taxpayer funded program.
House Bill 24-1028, titled Overdose Prevention Centers, would authorize Colorado municipalities to establish spaces where individuals can use previously obtained controlled substances under the supervision of healthcare professionals or trained staff.
The bill also allows for the distribution of clean needles, fentanyl testing supplies, counseling, and undefined "harm reduction services."
However, a legislative interim committee in late 2013 voted against advancing a similar bill for the ongoing 2024 legislative session due to a veto threat from Governor Polis. Despite their super-majority in the Colorado House of Representatives and a significant majority in the Senate, Democrats face an uphill battle in gaining support for this controversial initiative. Overcoming a potential Polis veto would be a challenging task, and even reaching that point appears highly unlikely at this time.
The concerns surrounding the legalization and funding of safe injection sites are valid and should not be dismissed.
These sites have proven to be ineffective in addressing the underlying issues of drug addiction and have instead perpetuated a cycle of dependency. Furthermore, the potential consequences for public safety and the surrounding communities cannot be ignored.
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It is crucial for lawmakers to reconsider their priorities and focus on comprehensive solutions to address Colorado's rising drug, mental heal, and homeless problem. This includes investing in effective proven programs, strengthening law enforcement efforts, and providing support for individuals struggling with addiction.
The push for “drug shooting galleries” in Colorado is a prime example of misguided liberal policies that prioritize ideology over the well-being of the people. It is time for Democrat lawmakers to listen to the concerns of the public and focus on evidence-based solutions rather than pursuing failed experiments that only exacerbate the problem at hand.