BUSH ATTENDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FIGHTING DRUG USE

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Jeb Bush listened Friday as dozens of substance abuse
workers and law enforcement officials met to talk about the progress and
needs in the fight against drug abuse.

"We're making major progress but there's no question there's a long, long
way to go," Bush told participants at the annual statewide drug summit.

The governor has set a goal of cutting drug use in half by 2005, from 8
percent to 4 percent. In 1999, drug use dropped to 6.8 percent.

Bush pointed out that about 60 percent of the money in the fight against
drugs goes to treatment rather than punishment, a balance that was reversed
just within the last few years.

The governor also said research is clear that "wholesome, loving families"
produce drug-free children and that the tough question is how to promote
those families.