PRISONS NEED MORE DRUG REHAB

Our position: Building more prisons without new drug programs doesn't make
sense.

Florida lawmakers could have addressed the rapid growth of the state-
prison system with proven cost-effective means. Instead they've picked the
most simplistic and expensive route of all -- building more prisons.

People convicted of drug-related crimes account for the single largest
group of prisoners in Florida, but that group also responds to
rehabilitation better than most other categories of prisoners. Florida
prisoners who complete drug-rehabilitation programs are much less likely to
end up in prison again than those who fail to complete the programs.
Studies in other states also show that rehabilitation works, and is far
less costly than repeated incarcerations.

Even though effective treatment programs exist, Florida lawmakers began
cutting back on them two years ago. This year, the state earmarked $7.7
million for inmate drug treatment, less than half the amount it had
earmarked for treatment in 2001.

Their stinginess doesn't make sense. In June and July, when Florida
experienced the highest monthly admission totals in more than a decade, the
largest increase occurred among those convicted of drug offenses.

Lawmakers' decision last week to raid $66 million from state reserves to
build 4,000 new prison beds is only half a solution. Inevitably, it will
drain future state budgets to pay for staff and equipment. Any expansion of
prison beds should be partnered with expansions in drug rehabilitation.

Drug-rehabilitation programs won't make Florida soft on crime, but they
will save the state money.