Yingling Calls on Washington Politicians to Protect Anti-Drug Initiatives

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is calling on President Trump and Congress to fund programs that help law enforcement address drug trafficking and anti-drug initiatives in Illinois communities.

“In Illinois, we have passed significant anti-drug legislation that has increased the use of Narcan and anti-overdose drugs, promoted public awareness and education, and expanded insurance coverage for lifesaving drug treatment programs,” Yingling said. “We haven’t beat the heroin crisis, but we’ve made significant steps to help us fight this enormous threat to public health and safety. Slashing federal funding right now, at such a critical time in our state’s battle against opioids, would set our progress back.”

Currently, the Trump Administration is recommending slashing funding the Office of the National Drug Control Policy by 95 percent from $388 million nationally to just $24 million. These cuts would zero out funding for their high-intensity drug trafficking and drug-free communities support programs. Yingling is sponsoring House Resolution 384 urging Congress and the President to continue funding these vital programs. Previously, Yingling has worked with Democrats and Republicans across the state to address the heroin crisis in Illinois, including serving as the Chair of the Youth Heroin Use Task Force.

“The state of Illinois receives vital federal funding that helps our local law enforcement effectively fight drug trafficking,” Yingling said. “Cutting federal funding by 95 percent would devastate our efforts and would only drive up the state’s long-term costs. By sponsoring this resolution in Springfield, I am joining my colleagues to send a messages to our leaders in Washington that they need to preserve this funding so that we can continue our work to combat the heroin and drug epidemic in our communities.”