Is Congress truly talking about a revolution? If so, it must pass a budget that will bring about sweeping changes in the nation’s approach to alcohol and other drug abuse, because we are paying a high price for past mistakes. The more we avoid this problem, the higher the price tag on welfare, Medicaid, crime and children’s services. The nation literally cannot afford to pay for the consequences of this national problem.
If communities are to be rebuilt, and families restored, we must bring about a major change in public attitudes and values. If our poorest citizens are to go to work, stay out of hospital emergency rooms, stop committing crimes and take care of their children, they will need to be sober. Substance-abuse prevention and treatment must be expanded.
Federal funds are critical to Illinois. If Congress cuts prevention and treatment funding, our cities and state will pay a high price–and that means taxpayers will end up paying even more. That’s not revolutionary; in fact, that would be business as usual from Congress.
