MORE MONEY FOR TREATMENT PAYS OFF IN THE LONG RUN

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 Department of Corrections, such as security and
public safety.

Gov. 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 Gov. 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 W. MOORE
Secretary
Florida Department of Corrections