For several years, legislators and law enforcement officials have been trying to find a way to shut down the growing number of meth labs in Iowa. Figures from 2004 indicate that law enforcement seized 1,472 labs throughout the state. Iowa ranks second in the nation in the number of meth labs discovered. This is a problem state-wide, since at least one meth lab has been found in every county in Iowa.

The average direct cost to law enforcement of seizing and shutting down a meth lab in Iowa is nearly $3,000 each. This is in addition to the indirect costs, which include the placement of nearly 1,000 Iowa children in foster homes from the homes where meth labs were found; medical and dental health care; court and prison costs; mental health and substance abuse treatment; property damage and the lowering of real estate values; and the breakdown of the family unit. An Oklahoma estimate is that each meth lab costs the citizens of the state $350,000.

With the number of meth labs rapidly growing in Iowa, legislators knew that some action was necessary this year to shut these dangerous facilities down. An Oklahoma law, making it harder to obtain cold medications containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), has eliminated meth labs in some parts of that state and reduced the number in other areas by as much as 80%.

Pseudoephedrine is to meth what flour is to bread. Without PSE it is almost impossible to make meth. Recognizing that PSE is the key component in meth, a bipartisan agreement was reached to take cold medicine products containing PSE off Iowa shelves and put them behind pharmacy counters.

Why cold medicine? Because PSE is also a key component in many, but not all, cold medications. I have been given a list of 124 over-the-counter cold medicines that do not contain PSE, so there are alternatives. You should always check with your physician or pharmacist for the medication that is best for you.

Despite the recognition that cold medicines must be controlled, there was concern that some medications must remain available to meet emergency needs when pharmacies are closed or too far away to help. Last week, a compromise was reached. Small quantities of cold medicine containing PSE, in liquid or gel cap form, will be available in convenience and grocery stores. However, an individual can purchase no more than one package a day and must sign and show identification before purchase.

Unfortunately, restricting the purchase of medications with PSE will not eliminate meth use in Iowa, because this is only one part of the problem. It does not address the fact that about 80% of methamphetamine is made south of the border and transported into our state. This legislation addresses only the meth lab problem in Iowa. However, if we can reduce the number of meth labs in Iowa, we can reduce costs to the citizens of Iowa and we may be able to protect our children and neighbors from the effects of these dangerous labs. I voted in favor of this bill and the measure easily passed both the House and Senate and will be signed by Governor Vilsack when he receives the bill.

The meth bill is one of the few highpoints of the past few months. Although budget work continues in the House, most of the bills being considered are falling far short of the funding levels necessary to sustain needed services.

The Education budget bill, for example, does not adequately address the need for early childhood education or improved student achievement. Funding for the three state universities is also unsatisfactory and if not increased will surely result in double digit tuition increases once again.

The Iowa Values Fund bill is still a work in progress. But in its present form, this version of Iowa’s economic growth initiative fails to provide the bold, forward thinking concepts contained in the original bill. It seems to have lost sight of the original goal – to create high paying jobs in new industries that will help Iowa keep young people in our state and allow our economy to prosper.

There is still time to make this a successful session, but emphasis must be placed on economic growth, educational excellence and quality health care of all Iowans.

With schools having spring break, I expect to have many visitors this week. If you cannot visit me at the Capitol, you can write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319; call 515/281-3221 or e-mail me at ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us.

Ro

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