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"Our efforts to grow Michigan's economy and keep our state competitive are threatened by the rising costs in the Department of Corrections. We spend more on prisons than we do on higher education, and that has got to change."
- Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm
Michigan’s criminal justice system is costing the state millions and failing to deliver the safety promised. Even as we pour money into the system, roughly half of all released prisoners wind up behind bars again within three years.
In the midst of a budget crisis and the highest crime rates in the region, though, we have good news to share. Reforms are on the way!
On September 16, Senator Alan Cropsey introduced Senate Bill 827 before the Michigan legislature. This bill holds significant promise for restoring peace and security to Michigan’s communities. It will reform parole, targeting resources on the most dangerous offenders and helping offenders lead law-abiding lives.
At the same time, HB 4977, introduced by Andrew Kandrevas, is moving through Michigan's legislature. This bill will reduce the rate of rearrest amongst probationers and allow community corrections programs to target high risk probationers for services and programs.
Justice Fellowship is working in coordination with the Pew Center on the States Public Safety Performance Project and a broad coalition of business representatives, government officials, and non-profit organizations to promote SB 827 and HB 4977.
Read more below and join us to advocate for justice!
Legislative Update
On March 2, 2010, the Michigan Senate will hold a hearing on Senate bill 827. This bill will reform parole by targeting resources on the most dangerous offenders and helping offenders lead law-abiding lives.
Prison Fellowship's Michigan Field Director Denise Harris will testify at the hearing. It will occur at 1:00 pm at:
The Farnum Building
Room 210
1125 West Allegan Street
Lansing, MI 48933
Come to listen to the testimony and show your support for S 827!
And be sure to write a letter to your newspaper's editor about the importance of this bill. Click here for a convenient contact list. The Action Kit below provides a sample letter with language you might want to use.
To subscribe to our electronic updates about progress in Michigan, send an e-mail with your name and zip code to: justicefellowship@pfm.org.
| Did you know? One out of three state workers in Michigan is employed by the Department of Corrections. |
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