BUSH WILL RENEW DRUG-BILL FIGHT

In reference to the June 6 editorial "Renew effort next year to pass
anti-drug bill," Gov. Bush's administration agrees with The Post's
view that Florida needs legislation to help police and medical
professionals battle abuse of prescription drugs. Florida medical
examiners have documented that more Floridians are dying from abuse of
legal drugs than are dying from illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

That is why Gov. Bush made it a priority in this year's legislative
session and included it in the agenda for the special session when it
failed to pass in regular session. He fought hard for it, as did this
office and many others. The fact that it did not pass puts yet more
lives in jeopardy. The Post is right to call for a renewed effort next
year. We plan to do just that.

JAMES R. McDONOUGH

Director, Florida Office of Drug Control, Tallahassee