Illinois House Republicans say it looks as if Democrats are staging a retreat in the war on drugs.
A bill awaiting committee assignment in the Senate would downgrade fentanyl possession to a misdemeanor. State Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) says that’s all wrong.
“We’re seeing an escalating public health crisis in our state playing out as the direct result of poor public policy,” said Bos, biting off every word as he spoke. “Fentanyl has become the largest driver of opioid deaths in our state. It’s been on the rise for years and has claimed life after life as a result. This isn’t an isolated issue. It’s an epidemic, and it’s not stopping anytime soon.”
Bos has his own bill to, among other things, increase the penalties for possessing, making, and selling the drug.
The governor’s office notes the Democrats’ bill has passed the House but has not even been assigned to a committee in the Senate.