Governor Crist and Lt. Governor Kottkamp Announce 2007-08 Department of Corrections Budget Recommendations

Tallahassee—Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp today announced their budget recommendations for the Florida Department of Corrections for Fiscal Year 2007-08.

“The Governor’s budget further closes the net on violent offenders with an emphasis on reducing recidivism through drug treatment,” said Secretary James R. McDonough. “I believe this is a clear and forward thinking approach.”

The Crist/Kottkamp budget for Fiscal Year 2007-08 promotes the Department’s mission of keeping streets safe by addressing three critical components.

Growth

The recommendation includes sufficient funding to address projected increases in the state’s prison population, ensuring inmates will continue to serve a minimum of 85 percent of their sentences.

• $43 million and 301 positions to accommodate an anticipated year-end population of 95,136 inmates.
• $147 million to plan and construct an additional 4,149 prison beds for future populations.

Prevention

The recommendation includes funding for the proposed Anti-Murder Act, geared to keeping violent criminals who have violated probation off the streets.

• $20.1 million to fund a new prison annex in anticipation of Anti-Murder legislation and corresponding inmate population increases.
• $1.7 million and 23 positions to address additional operating needs.

Recidivism

Approximately 64 percent of the inmate population has been identified as having significant substance abuse problems requiring treatment. In order to accomplish full rehabilitation for released offenders, Governor Crist recommends $8.6 million in increased funding for substance abuse treatment.

The proposed budget represents an increase of nearly $250 million to provide funding for more than 90,000 inmates and a supervised population of more than 150,000 offenders.