Blunt Blasts Washington for Anti-Meth Cuts

Gov. Matt Blunt started his workday in his hometown on Monday with a news conference to announce a plan that he says will save a vital program in the fight against illegal methamphetamine.

Congress eliminated funding for anti-meth task forces, so Blunt says his plan will save the Missouri Sheriff Methamphetamine Relief Taskforce, or MoSMART.

The governor said he will ask the Legislature for $1.8 million in supplemental funding for the program.

"Washington is clearly out of touch with Missouri families. We have seen examples of this in their failure to fight illegal immigration and now their failure to fund drug task forces that protect our families from the scourge of methamphetamine,” Gov. Blunt said. “Despite strong objections from leaders like Senator Bond, the Washington Congressional leadership and their followers cavalierly eliminated this critical funding for Missouri law enforcement. Where Washington has failed to act Missouri will ensure these teams have the needed resources to continue their fight against meth.”