New Law Will Continue Program to Track Pseudoephedrine Purchases

CHICAGO - January 19, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will help law enforcement officials stop meth production. Senate Bill 73 makes permanent a pilot program initially created to electronically track pseudoephedrine purchases that could be used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

"This program is a valuable tool that helps us prevent meth from getting into our communities by stopping production," said Governor Quinn. "Tracking the sales of items commonly used to manufacture meth has enabled us to nip production in the bud, and it is important to continue this program."

The Methamphetamine Precursor Tracking Act took effect in 2009 and required pharmacies to track purchases of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine online through the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). Under SB 73, initiated by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Sparta), the tracking program becomes permanent. Pharmacies will also block purchases of more than 7.5 grams of pseudoephedrine made within 30 days and purchases of 3.6 grams of pseudoephedrine made in a 24-hour time span.

"Unfortunately, meth production is starting to increase again across the state," Attorney General Madigan said.  "We have found that the PSE tracking system is the best tool law enforcement has to identify criminals who illegally buy cold pills for cooking meth."

Since its implementation, the program has effectively blocked more than 103,319 boxes - or 230,330 grams - of pseudoephedrine from being used for methamphetamine production in communities throughout Illinois. Additionally NPLEx has assisted the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Teams locate and seize 155 methamphetamine laboratories and make 231 methamphetamine arrests.

"The Illinois State Police have dedicated dozens of trained officers to investigate meth-related crimes and clandestine drug lab sites, which has resulted in the reduction of meth labs seized," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "We are confident that the new statute will continue to help law enforcement track and monitor illegal PSE-based products in Illinois, detect criminal activity and prevent meth labs from forming."

"The production of meth is a serious concern around the state, particularly in our rural communities," said Sen. Haine. "I would like to thank Governor Quinn for signing this law to continue tracking PSE products that can be used to manufacture meth."

"We must do everything we can to keep dangerous drugs like meth out of our communities," Rep. Costello said. "This new law gives us an edge on shutting down meth labs by helping us find the individuals who are making frequent purchases of meth-making products."

The legislation passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and goes into effect immediately.

###

I currently have openings in my private drum studio here in Davenport.  Both my wife (Crystal) and I teach out of our home privately during the week, and we're located behind Gilda's Club in Davenport off of River Drive.

I haven't sent an e-mail out like this in over two years because my schedule has been full, but now I have a few spots open for students looking for a private drum instructor.  Here's what I offer in my studio:

*Snare Drum Technique / Rudiments / Studies / Solos
*Mallet Technique / Scales / Studies / Solos
*Timpani Technique and Studies / Solos
*Auxillary Percussion Techniques
*Drumset Studies and Styles (Rock, Latin, Jazz, Brush Technique)
*Drumset Solos and Proper Techniques
*Play-a-long with music students bring to lessons or I have in my library
*All the above will involve reading, playing and writing actual music
*Basic knowledge of Music Theory

My rate is one of the best rates in the Quad Cities for private lessons.  Most monthly half-hour lessons go for $80 a month, but here is what I charge for a month:

(4) One-hour private lessons = $110 per month flat fee

The normal rate for hour lessons is $160 per month, so my rate is considerably less than the normal rate.  I can teach one or all of the above items during the lesson.  This will give the parents, students and teacher something to choose from for lesson options.  I'm able to meet with the student for a total of 4 hours a month, compared to 2 hours with 30 minute lessons a month.  The hour lessons have shown quicker development in the overall skills with each of my students.

Teaching and performing music is a passion of mine, and this shows through my students too with high ratings during solo contests, plus district and state honors for my students too.  The students pick up on my drive to perform and teach, and this motivates them to exceed any goal they have set for themselves musically. 

If you know any student or parent interested in starting percussion or drum lessons, please forward my information on to them.  I can be contacted through e-mail (jgoldkette@msn.com) or phone ((563) 823-0174) the best.  The spots normally fill up fast when I send these e-mails out, so please inform whomever is interested to act quickly because spots are first-come first-serve.  If there are any questions, please call me so we can discuss them and get them answered right away.

Most Sincerely Yours,

Josh Duffee