On August 22, Cali Gov Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would’ve allowed SF, LA, and Oakland to set up pilot programs for “safe injection sites”
Read the vetoed bill here
Vox explains: Safe injection sites are places where people can use drugs under medical supervision -- if they overdose, they can be treated. They can also get clean needles and treatment referrals
The San Jose Mercury said the Cali plan was controversial -- proponents said it would save lives, but critics said it would just create “drug dens” that would ruin the neighborhood
The Desert Sun Ed Board agreed with Newsom’s decision -- these sites are untested, and would seriously impact their neighborhoods. We should focus on drug treatment instead
The LA Times was very unhappy with Newsom. He chickened out because of his 2024 presidential ambitions -- even though Californians (and Newsom himself) know it’s good policy
This SF Chronicle Op agreed: Newsom said cities weren’t “ready” -- but SF’s been ready for forever! This was just typical Dem cowardice
PBS NewsHour visited a safe injection site in New York. The public debate around the site is complicated, but for those who use it, it’s just “a blessing”
So what does the data say? After looking at a bunch of studies, Rand Corp says safe injection sites work to reduce overdose deaths and diseases. But we need more research to tell us how they impact everyone else. Read the full report here
Reason Magazine says the idea isn’t to solve the broader addiction crisis, but to prevent overdose deaths. The war on drugs has failed -- we have to try something else
National Review totally agrees, and says more conservatives need to get on board. Prohibition doesn’t work! Safe injection sites will probably only work a tiny bit, but that’s still better than the alternative
One group who’s anti: Cops. SFGate reports that cops think the sites will increase crime and endanger kids. The better way to deal with addiction is to enforce laws and fund rehab programs
The Heritage Foundation is also super anti. Activists say they’re a great idea, but they wouldn’t want one in their backyard! Nobody likes them -- just look at the backlash against safe injection sites in Canada
But The Federalist is on board. Safe injection sites could help with the homelessness crisis, and save governments money on police and emergency medical services. Plus, it’s the humane thing to do -- addicts are people too!