Public Safety has become a priority for our government. President Bush’s creation of a national homeland security strategy sends a strong message that our government is serious about defending our nation and protecting our citizens, businesses and visitors.

State and local governments are playing critical roles as well. Governor Bush’s 2002 – 2003 budget, signed in June, has allocated new funds for the Department of Corrections to continue to provide a safe and secure environment for all Floridians.

Besides increasing operating dollars to run the current correctional system, this budget will allow offenders to be more closely supervised. More substance-abuse treatment programs will be implemented, giving an additional 369 individuals the opportunity to receive treatment.

The Department of Correction’s new $1.6 billion budget will also fund:

• 2.5 percent pay increase for all correctional employees
  
• $12.9 million for the expansion and renovation of correctional institutions
  
• $11.5 million to eliminate the healthcare services budget deficit
  
• $7.9 million for additional prison beds

Data collected by myregion.org shows that of 255 nationwide Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) reporting crime statistics, four Florida MSAs ranked among the 10 highest crime rates, with a total of eight in the top 50. Miami ranked first on the FBI’s crime index, and Orlando was 14th on the list. One of the key factors that myregion.org is studying is how the significant numbers of tourists and other visitors to the area skew these statistics.

As you can see on this map (click map to enlarge), three counties in the region (Orange, Osceola and Polk) had a higher crime index rate per 100,000 population than the state average.

These changes will provide a safer environment for all. Imprisoned offenders will now have to serve an average of 83 percent of their sentences, compared to 50 percent in 1994.

For additional information on the 2002 – 2003 State Budget, go to www.dc.state.fl.us.