OPINION: The Wrong Solution for the Fentanyl Crisis

‘No on 132’ campaign chair Kyle Giddings released the following statement regarding the results of Proposition 132:

“The outcome of Proposition 132 is deeply disappointing, but our fight for real, effective solutions to the fentanyl crisis will not end here. Advance Colorado and their billionaire backers spent millions of dollars to mislead voters and push forward this ballot measure that provides no funding for treatment and diverts $566 million away from Colorado’s health care and education straight to the pockets of private prison corporations.

“We are glad to see Governor-elect Phil Weiser commit to taking a closer look at Prop 132 and working to invest in treatment options that will mitigate harm, rather than private prisons and more jail time. Our bipartisan coalition of doctors, emergency responders, sheriffs, district attorneys, elected officials and community organizations looks forward to working with the Governor-elect and legislature to find better safety solutions for Coloradans.

“We will continue to work day-in and day-out to protect vulnerable families and enact policies that target actual drug traffickers rather than punishing victims of this devastating epidemic.”