Let the People Speak Urges States to Follow Texas and Alabama in Enacting Life-Saving Legislation to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

Montgomery, AL — In light of the powerful and emotional speech by Ann Funder at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Perry O. Hooper Jr., founder of Let the People Speak and Former Alabama State Legislator, is calling on all states to follow the exemplary lead of Texas and Alabama in enacting critical legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Funder’s poignant appearance, where she shared the tragic story of her son Weston who fell victim to fentanyl poisoning, resonated deeply with audiences and underscored the urgent need for comprehensive legislative action. Her call to action was a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis fueled by inadequate border policies and the need for state-level initiatives to protect communities.

Texas took the significant first step with the implementation of the Tucker Act, which mandates public schools to provide education and awareness on fentanyl and opioid addiction. This initiative, strongly supported by the tireless efforts of Jennifer Stevens, a dedicated education and political consultant associated with The Tucker Project, has laid a foundation for other states to emulate. Stevens has been instrumental in developing a research-based interdisciplinary curriculum for grades 6 through 12, incorporating real-life stories and addressing mental health aspects of drug use among youth.

Following Texas’s lead, Alabama recently passed the Price Hornsby Act with unanimous legislative support. This law, championed by Representative Joe Lovvorn and Senator Jay Hovey, mandates crucial education on drug abuse prevention and awareness in Alabama’s schools. Inspired by the heart-wrenching story of a young life lost to fentanyl poisoning, the Price Hornsby Act is a beacon of hope for preventing future tragedies by arming students with the knowledge to make safer choices.

“These legislative victories in Texas and Alabama are monumental steps in our fight against the opioid crisis,” said Hooper. “The support and commitment from leaders like Representative Lovvorn, Senator Hovey, and the incredible advocacy work of Jennifer Stevens are outstanding. Their dedication ensures that our children are educated and aware of the dangers of fentanyl, ultimately saving lives.”

Hooper continued, “Ann Funder’s heartfelt plea at the RNC is a powerful reminder of the real human cost of this crisis. We cannot afford to wait. I urge all states to act swiftly and decisively by-passing laws similar to the Tucker Act and the Price Hornsby Act. Together, we can make a difference and protect our communities from the scourge of fentanyl.”

About Let the People Speak: “Let the People Speak” champions American Exceptionalism, celebrating the land of the free and the home of the brave. Our nation, a beacon of liberty and hope, stands on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. We thrive through innovation, economic prosperity, and leadership in human achievement, underscoring our unique destiny.

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Perry O Hooper Jr is a former State Representative who writes columns on his political perspective and has been published in a number of publications around Alabama and beyond. He was an early supporter of Donald Trump and was the 2016 Trump Victory Chair.

This is an opinion column. The views of opinion writers are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alabama Gazette, the staff, or the publishers.