Sen. Latz Stresses Importance of Chemical Dependency Treatment Programs

Speaking in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-District 44) said he doesn't want to see spending cuts to chemical dependency treatment programs for prison inmates.

The committee is currently looking at a bill that would appropriate funds to various public safety entities. The St. Louis Park legislator said investing in chemical dependency treatment programs now is better than facing the consequences later.

"It is at our own peril if we don't treat them while we have them (in prison) and have their full attention," Latz said. "It's more expensive to try to do it in other settings, potentially less effective settings that might result in them cycling back into the prison system, too."

Recent studies suggest that upwards of 85 percent of Minnesota inmates are chemically abusive or dependent.

The bill, which does not specify funding for chemical dependency treatment but rather for larger areas and agencies, is scheduled for further committee discussion Thursday.