By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed a bill Friday that renews an anti-Methamphetamine program.
The bill provides $1.8 million for Missouri Sheriff's Methamphetamine Relief Teams, or MoSMART.
It began as a federal program, but Congress chose not to renew funding last year. Blunt spokesperson Jessica Robinson says, though, the program is worth keeping.
"The governor has insured that these task forces have the funding that they need to protect Missouri families from the terrible drug," Robinson said.
State funding will cover the costs for 48 sheriff's office and drug task force personnel in Missouri who specialize in fighting Meth production and trafficking.
Robinson says Governor Blunt will also consider other anti-Meth legislation this year.
A bill sponsored by Democratic Attorney General candidate and State Senator Chris Koster would toughen sentencing guidelines for Meth producers and raise salaries for sheriff's deputies.