FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2024
BOISE, IDAHO – Earlier today, the Idaho House approved House Bill No. 617, which would repeal the statewide syringe and needle exchange program that currently provides taxpayer-funded needles to illicit drug users.
Idaho Family Policy Center has actively supported this bill. The bill will now go to the Idaho Senate.
A statement from Blaine Conzatti, President of Idaho Family Policy Center:
According to statewide public opinion polling that was commissioned by Idaho Family Policy Center in November of last year, 65% of likely Idaho voters oppose taxpayer-funded needle exchange programs.
It’s not hard to understand why.
Needle exchange programs have devastated communities. Look no further than our northern neighbor, Canada, or nearby progressive states like California, Oregon, and Washington.
The problem with the so-called ‘harm reduction approach’ is that these programs subsidize continued drug abuse. As Ronald Reagan said, ‘If you want more of something, subsidize it.’
With all of this in mind, it’s understandable that large numbers of likely Idaho voters (65%) believe that our state should abandon its commitment to enabling and subsidizing illicit drug use.
Media Contact:
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact our communications manager, Morgan MaGill, at (208) 260-5844 or [email protected].
