GOVERNOR SAYS DAUGHTER IMPROVING IN DRUG TREATMENT PROGRAM

Noelle Bush, the 24-year-old daughter of Florida's governor, is
making progress at a drug treatment center, her father said Monday
after speaking to a state drug-policy advisory council.

"I think she's in better shape because of the fact she went through
the drug court system and knows that in spite of whatever the ailment
is that afflicts her, she's got to confront it now," Gov. Jeb Bush
said. "Addictions are a very powerful thing and it takes over
people's lives and that's why good treatment programs are important."

First-time offenders often are sent to special drug courts, where
they meet frequently with a judge, attend meetings and pass periodic
tests before graduating. Noelle Bush was admitted to a drug treatment
program earlier this month.

If she successfully graduates, criminal charges are dismissed. Drug
courts serve about 11,000 people each year in Florida, the governor
said.

Noelle Bush was arrested at a pharmacy drive-through window at 1:30
a.m. Jan. 29 on charges of trying to buy Xanax with a fraudulent
prescription. It was a third degree felony with maximum that carries
a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Bush said his daughter's long struggle with drug abuse has made him
more sensitive to the issue.

"I know being involved in this as a dad ... how pervasive this is,"
Bush said. "And how when you love somebody and they're going through
tough times, how it just sucks the life out of a family."

He also added that it's made him think about the difficulties of parenting.

"Sure. When you have problems with your kids ... there's always a
feeling of guilt, did I do something wrong?" Bush asked.

And his wife, Columba, volunteers time to increase awareness of the
dangers of drug abuse.

Gov. Bush sat in on the council's meeting to be updated on their
progress and concerns, touching briefly on his daughter's situation
during his presentation.

"This is a huge issue underneath the surface of our state that eats
away at our souls in many ways," Bush said. "This creates demands on
government in many different areas.

The governor said he wants to restore funding for those on probation
and receiving treatment in the drug court program as well as
"punishing the folks that are profiting from other people's sadness
and despair that comes from addiction."

Bush also announced two appointments to the panel. Enrico Lamberti,
52, of Okeechobee, succeeds Effie Alexander and Bernard DeCastro, 57,
of Ocala, succeeds Ann Herberger.