Pubdate: Wed, 03 May 2000
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2000 Richmond Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293
Fax: (804) 775-8072
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Website: http://www.timesdispatch.com/

GORE PROPOSES DRUG TESTING FOR CONVICTS

ATLANTA -- Al Gore proposed drug-test requirements for prisoners and 
parolees yesterday with better drug treatment -- but also more jail time -- 
for those who fail. He accused George W. Bush of slashing such programs in 
Texas and pushing criminals though "the same old revolving door."

"We need to get more police, not fewer," the vice president said, 
portraying himself as the stronger candidate on law enforcement, an area in 
which polls show him trailing his Republican rival. "We need to get tougher 
with repeat offenders, not just put them back on the streets."

Aides to the Texas governor responded that the Democratic Clinton-Gore 
administration has cut rehabilitation programs for federal prisoners. And 
Texas Department of Criminal Justice figures show prison substance abuse 
spending actually increased by 53 percent to $99.9 million under Bush.

Spokesman Dan Bartlett said Gore should explain "why during his term teen 
drug use in America nearly doubled, the number of drug treatment beds in 
federal prisons was cut by over one-third, the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy was cut by 83 percent and federal gun prosecutions have 
decreased by 46 percent."

With rhetoric that was both tough and compassionate,

Gore outlined a $1.3 billion, 10-year anti-crime program to an audience of 
police officials. Many of the measures were unveiled nearly a year ago.

In a new touch, he proposed spending $500,000 in the first year to create a 
matching grant program for states and local communities to help test and 
treat probationers, prisoners and parolees.

Inmates who fail would be subject to more jail time. Probationers and 
parolees would be tested twice a week and could be returned to prison if 
they failed to stay away from drugs.

Gore would require former inmates to sign responsibility contracts in which 
they also would agree to increased supervision by law-enforcement officials 
and payment of child support when relevant. In return, the former convicts 
would get help in finding jobs.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart