State Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, the Minority Leader in the Colorado House, is hoping to expand his influence on fentanyl policy beyond the State of Colorado.
Last weekend, he attended the National Conference of State Legislators, calling for an attention to border security as a first and crucial step in combating further spread of the fentanyl epidemic.
The NCSL is a competitive selection process with Lynch being chosen among 25 legislators nationally.
“I am deeply concerned about Colorado’s growing deadly fentanyl crisis, and it is imperative that we address this issue head-on,” Lynch said. “The reasons behind the rapid rise of fentanyl in Colorado are clear: America’s weak borders, Mexican drug trafficking, cheap drugs used in making fentanyl shipped from China, and Colorado’s permissive anti-law enforcement laws. These factors have created a perfect storm, endangering the lives of our citizens and fueling the devastating fentanyl epidemic.”
Lynch introduced the state’s first-ever policy addressing fentanyl three years ago and has continued his efforts. Ultimately, Lynch made the decision to withdraw his name from that first bill just before its passage, because he believed the law didn’t go far enough to protect Coloradans from the deadly results of fentanyl, a press release reads.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the consequences of these circumstances,” Lynch said. “It is time for us to take decisive action and strengthen our borders, crack down on pushers and Mexican drug traffickers, and hold countries accountable for their contributions to the fentanyl crisis.”
He plans to support an ambitious agenda to keep the fentanyl crisis at the forefront of legislative priorities, as the second regular session of the 74th Colorado Legislature opens, the release reads. He will pursue legislation to make possession of any form of fentanyl a felony.
“We must reevaluate our permissive anti-law enforcement laws and provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and resources to combat this crisis effectively,” Lynch said.
Lynch has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to Congress from Colorado’s 4th District. If elected, he has pledged to pursue comprehensive fentanyl legislation in his first term in the U.S. House.
“The safety and well-being of our communities are at stake, and we cannot afford to remain idle,” Lynch said. “I am committed to working tirelessly to combat the fentanyl crisis, protect our citizens, and ensure that Colorado becomes a safer place for all. Together, we can overcome this challenge and build a brighter future for our state.”