(The Center Square) -Colorado U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans is leading the charge for a new bill in the U.S. House to combat the growing fentanyl crisis throughout the country. If passed, the bipartisan bill would establish new taxpayer-funded grant programs designed to assist state and local law enforcement agencies and nonprofits. “Everyone deserves to live in a community free from the threat of fentanyl poisonings.”Over the past few years, there has been a steep increase in the number of fentanyl deaths in Colorado. Those include the County Sheriffs of Colorado, the Colorado Police Protective Association, Victims Of Illicit Drugs and the National Association of Police Organizations. In 2022, Colorado state legislators implemented stricter penalties for fentanyl possession and distribution, but many argue more needs to be done.