Opponents of a bill that would legalize clean syringe exchange programs in Colorado are calling it a distraction from more important issues and an unnecessary subsidization of intravenous drug users.
“Nobody wants to see the spread of infectious diseases, but I hardly think it is the taxpayers’ job to foot the bill for a needle exchange program,” said Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud. “And with just a month left in the session we should be focused on the economy and next year’s $1 billion budget cliff. There just isn’t room to debate the creation of a new public health program.”
Senate Bill 189 is sponsored by Denver Democrat Sen. Pat Steadman. Lundberg called the program de facto drug legalization that enables IV drug users. He also lamented the fact that bill doesn’t explicitly bar the use of public funds for needle exchange programs.
Currently under Colorado law, organizations are allowed to collect dirty syringes but not exchange them for clean ones. In Denver, there is at least one private organization that trades needles in violation of the law.
“Dirty needles are an occupational hazard for drug users, sure, but so are laced drugs and gun fights,” said Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction. “Does Senator Steadman think we should buy heroin and bullet proof jackets for druggies too?”
Steadman’s bill passed out of the Democrat-controlled Health and Human Services Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for debate.