Editor, Times-Union: Last Saturday, the Goshen Chamber of Commerce hosted the first of its yearly “Third House” gatherings. The “Third House” meetings give constituents an ability to ask questions of their state representatives and state senators. One topic discussed was Indiana’s meth epidemic. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently released statistics on meth lab busts by state for the year 2014. Indiana led the nation with 1,471 busts, an astounding 510 more than second-place Tennessee. According to the Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System (www.in.gov/meth/files/2014_Labs_by_ISP_District.pdf), in Kosciusko County alone there were 58 meth labs seized in 2014, making the county the second highest in the state. Elkhart County ranked fifth with 53 labs seized. Sadly, nearly 15 percent of all meth labs busted nationally are found in Indiana. Even worse, since 2013, 1,104 children have been taken from toxic meth houses. These children will experience chronic health and developmental issues as they grow up. Furthermore, children are at a much higher risk of being sexually or physically abused by parents who are meth addicted. Shockingly, my opponent believes we should do absolutely nothing to combat this crisis. When asked about proposed legislation currently making its way through both the House and the Senate, the current District 22 state representative stated, “If we do nothing the marketplace will fix it themselves, let’s let the marketplace work it out.” (www.goshennews.com/news/third-house-yoder-nisly-talk-road-funding-and-meth-bills/article_8f3b5c01-10a0-5d4e-b4e6-808bc50816dd.html?mode=jqm) To their credit, the pharmaceutical companies are experimenting with new formulas that will make it harder for their cold medicines to be made into meth, unfortunately these products are years away from reaching the market. Thankfully, a proven solution already exists. A decade ago, the states of Oregon and Mississippi were facing a meth crisis as severe as Indiana is now experiencing. In response, both states passed a law requiring a prescription to purchase pseudoephedrine. Today, the scourge of meth has been nearly eradicated in both states. In 2014, Oregon only reported seven meth lab seizures, and Mississippi even less, with just two. Furthermore, a prescription requirement for pseudoephedrine has bipartisan support. Republican Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives Brian Bosma recently voiced his support by stating, “I am a fan of putting it on a prescription.” He also said, “I know that it’s controversial with many folks, but I would [be] more than pleased to have pseudoephedrine as a prescription drug because even with our sophisticated tracking system in place, they are getting multiple purchasers to travel from spot to spot.” Bosma went on to say that Indiana’s NPLEX database that is suppose to track the sale of PSE “[is] not working.” Mr. Nisly, these children can’t wait. Our state can’t wait. This public health crisis demands bold leadership. If you aren’t willing to stand up and protect Hoosier children, I will. Brian Joseph Smith Candidate for Indiana House of Representatives District 22 Leesburg, via email
