Pubdate: Thu, 14 Feb 2002
Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.newscoast.com/sarasota.cfm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/398
Author: Michael Moore
Note: Moore is the Secretary of the FL Dept of Corrections
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

PRISON DOOMS DRUG OFFENDERS

As you have recently reported, funding for residential and outpatient 
drug- abuse treatment programs was cut severely during a special 
session of the Florida Legislature. Lawmakers weighed heavily the 
decision to reduce funding for these programs against the core 
functions of the Florida Department of Corrections, such as security 
and public safety.

Gov. Jeb Bush's executive budget, released in early January, outlined 
a $7.3 million restoration of substance-abuse treatment funds. His 
recent supplemental budget included an additional $3.1 million to 
restore fully the residential and outpatient substance- abuse 
treatment programs.

Under Bush's leadership, funding for residential and outpatient 
substance-abuse programs has increased steadily. In fact, we have 
seen a 33 percent funding increase since fiscal year 1997-98.

The governor and I recognize that to fight crime effectively, we must 
do all we can to make sure offenders don't return to prison. 
Substance- abuse treatment programs help reduce recidivism and the 
cost to taxpayers for repeat incarcerations. I fully support the 
governor in asking the Legislature to restore these programs, which 
have been an important tool in fighting crime on our streets, in our 
communities, and in the neighborhoods we call home.

MICHAEL MOORE, Secretary Department of Corrections Tallahassee
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MAP posted-by: Josh