Des Moines, Iowa – A panel of Iowans shared their first-hand experience in the fight against meth, raising the profile of the drug’s evolving threat to communities today at a Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing hosted by Chairman Chuck Grassley. Testimony from law enforcement officials, public policy experts and drug treatment providers shed light on the scourge of meth in Iowa and the challenges it presents.
“Today’s hearing highlighted not only the seriousness of the meth problem, but also the possibility of redemption with the right intervention and support. While meth use is not limited to Iowa, the witnesses at today’s hearing are helping those of us in Congress better understand the situations that many states and communities face. To identify solutions to the meth problem, we must first understand the perspectives of those who battle it every day. I am thankful for those who shared their insight at today’s hearing and for all of those who work to eliminate meth and its harmful marks on Iowa,” Grassley said.
Testifying at the hearing were: Denise Moore, a former meth addict who now works to rebuild families whose children have been removed; Steve Lukan, the Director of Iowa’s Office of Drug Control Policy; Paul Fedderson, the Assistant Director of the Division of Narcotics Enforcement within Iowa’s Department of Public Safety; Lieutenant Corbin Payne of the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force; and Jay Hansen, the Executive Director of Prairie Ridge Addictions Treatment Services in Mason City. The witnesses’ written testimonies as well as Grassley’s opening remarks are available HERE.
-30-