Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that he has secured an additional $1 million for the Idaho Meth Project in the Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill.

“My wife Kathy and I have been so impressed by the Idaho Meth Project and the positive results it is achieving across the state,” said Simpson. “The Governor, First Lady, and their staff deserve a tremendous amount of credit for establishing this program in Idaho and making it a top priority. The sad reality is that meth continues to rob too many Idahoans of their money, their futures, and their lives. I am hoping this infusion of federal funding will help the Idaho Meth Project impact the lives of more Idahoans in a positive way and turn them away from the life-sapping scourge of methamphetamine.”

“Nearly a year and a half ago, the Governor and I launched the Idaho Meth Project to educate the next generation of Idahoans about the dangers of methamphetamine abuse. In less than 18 months it has positively impacted many lives. Attitudes are changing,” said Idaho First Lady Lori Otter. “Young people are discouraging their friends from using meth and hundreds of volunteers from around the state are helping spread the ‘Not Even Once’ message. We are so appreciative that Congressman Simpson has secured critical funding that will help sustain this important project in our state.”

The goal of the Idaho Meth Project is to significantly reduce the prevalence of first-time methamphetamine use in Idaho.  To achieve this goal, the Project has established a program that is in three areas:  1) Public Service Messaging; 2) Public Policy; and 3) Community Action.

According to the Idaho Meth Project:

·                     Idaho spends between $60 million and $102 million each year to incarcerate and treat offenders who admit having a meth problem.  This represents between 32 and 55 percent of the annual budget of the Idaho Department of Corrections.

·                     52 percent of Idaho inmates directly attribute meth use to their incarceration.

·                     89 percent of female offenders in county jails admit they have a problem with meth.

·                     Idaho ranks 4th in the nation in meth use by 12-17 year olds and 18-25 year olds.

·                     Idaho ranks 7th in the nation for lifetime use of meth by high school students.

“These statistics are a shocking, and sobering reminder for all of us that meth use is robbing our young people of their lives, and taxpayers of their money,” said Simpson. “That is why I consider this federal funding a wise investment and believe the Idaho Meth Project’s programs are so important to our State’s future.”

The Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill also contains funding for projects at the Idaho State Police, the Idaho Department of Corrections, and Idaho State University. A complete list of Idaho projects is available upon request. The bill now heads to the House floor where approval is expected next week.