Saint Paul, Minnesota —Yesterday, Minnesota House Speaker Paul Thissen announced his intention to establish the Speaker’s Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs, and appointed State Representative John Ward (DFL – Baxter) to serve on the committee. The committee will include both DFL and Republican representatives. The Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs will examine drug abuse issues in Minnesota and will recommend policies to combat the spread of the sale of synthetic drugs across the state.
“Drug abuse is a serious public health issue in our area and with the rise of synthetic drugs, it is rapidly changing and causing even greater issues in our communities,” said Rep. Ward. “I’m pleased to be appointed to this committee and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to try and tackle this difficult problem.”
Along with Rep. Ward, the following members will serve on the committee: State Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R – Stillwater), State Rep. Jim Newberger (R – Becker), State Rep. Dan Schoen (DFL – St. Paul Park). State Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL – Duluth) will serve as the committee chair.
The Select Committee on Controlled Substances and Synthetic Drugs will hold hearings over the interim to research drug abuse issues. Members of the committee will attend a public hearing June 7 in Duluth on synthetic drug abuse hosted by Attorney General Lori Swanson. Another hearing will be held in Brainerd on a date to be determined.
Speaker Thissen said the committee will issue a report with its recommendations by February 25, 2014.