Florida: Bush proposes $1.5 million to reduce clemency backlog
The Miami Herald reports: Gov. Jeb Bush made an ambitious pitch Tuesday to overhaul Florida's beleaguered clemency system, recommending the state hire 40 people to help reduce the backlog of felons waiting to have their civil rights restored.
The $1.5 million proposal was part of Bush's 2005-2006 budget request, announced in Tallahassee on Tuesday. It is the most money Bush has ever recommended for the clemency system, run by the Florida Parole Commission.
If approved by the Legislature, the Parole Commission's budget would increase almost 30 percent to $12.1 million when the new fiscal year begins July 1.
Much of the new money is earmarked for the restoration of civil rights. -- Herald.com | 01/19/2005 | Bush pitches fix for clemency system