Bill Text: MI HR0231 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to oppose the use of federal funds to purchase drug paraphernalia.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 11-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-02-16 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0231 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0231-Introduced.html
house resolution no.231
Reps. Slagh, Hoitenga, Alexander, Eisen, Markkanen, Clements, Martin, Green, Carra, Berman and Bezotte offered the following resolution:
A resolution to oppose the use of federal funds to purchase drug paraphernalia.
Whereas, Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and powerful substance that leads to devastating consequences. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that over 5 million people used some form of cocaine, including crack, in 2019 alone. Cocaine poses increased risks for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, as well as physical conditions including stroke, seizures, and shrinking brain size. Cocaine is involved in nearly one in five overdose deaths – a rate that continues to climb every year; and
Whereas, Crack has anguished families and communities for decades. Families are left to pick up the pieces when they lose their loved ones to crack addition. In addition, communities that struggle with drug use can experience increased rates of drug and sex trafficking, along with other crimes. This not only destabilizes communities, but it also places additional burdens on law enforcement who become less available to aid the community and provide essential services; and
Whereas, While crack cocaine is inherently dangerous, the method of consumption can exacerbate the risks. Smoking crack produces an immediate and more intense high, thus increasing the likelihood that someone will become addicted to crack. Pipes are a common tool used to smoke crack and present their own risks such as cuts and burns; and
Whereas, President Joe Biden plans to use 30 million dollars of federal funding to furnish drug paraphernalia such as syringes and “safe smoking kits” to people with pre-existing drug addictions. The stated goal of the program is to reduce the harm associated with smoking crack cocaine and support overdose prevention; and
Whereas, Not only does this plan ignore federal policy that makes it unlawful for any person to sell or offer drug paraphernalia, but it also does nothing to achieve the goal of harm reduction. By enabling addicts through the provision of smoking kits, the federal government is promoting further harm to individuals and communities. Instead of trying to lift up communities that have been devastated by substance use, this plan simply provides the tools they need to dig themselves into deeper despair; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we staunchly oppose the use of federal funds to purchase drug paraphernalia; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the President of the United States, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
