An article in the Coastline Pilot (“Preliminary...

An article in the Coastline Pilot (“Preliminary layoffs approved,”

March 14) stated that the only state department escaping cuts, and

actually getting an increase in Gov. Gray Davis’ 2003-04 budget is

Corrections. While the budget shows a 0.5% increase over the 2002-03

budget, there will actually be $10.5 million in cutbacks during the

current fiscal year and $63.1 million in the next fiscal year. The

0.5% increase is a result of cost increases in the Corrections

Department such as increasing prison population and increased utility

costs. Also, the $220 million for a new death row facility at San

Quentin will be paid for through bonds, so no money will be diverted

from existing health and education programs.