' Tag Archives: 'Michigan Department of Corrections''

Cost of ’4 strikes’ plan drops, still means millions more for prisons

Cost of ’4 strikes’ plan drops, still means millions more for prisons

When Attorney General Bill Schuette first proposed his “4 strikes and you’re out” plan for repeat felons, the Michigan Department of Corrections said the additional costs to the prison system could exceed $1 billion per year ...

Guest column: Real truth in sentencing could save really big prison dollars

Guest column: Real truth in sentencing could save really big prison dollars

By Richard Stapleton/Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending Ultimately, the least expensive prisoner is one who isn’t there. While the prison population has dropped by about 8,000 over the last five years, the Michigan Department ...

Senate panel backs prison cuts

Senate panel backs prison cuts

A month ago, CFM President John Bebow urged the Senate subcommittee overseeing prison spending to take pruning shears to the governor’s proposal for 2013 to spend about $2 billion on the Michigan Department of Corrections. “(C)ontinued ...

Guest column: Cut prison costs the smart way

Guest column: Cut prison costs the smart way

By Barbara R. Levine/Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending Legislators agree we should spend less on corrections, but are reluctant to make the fundamental choices – like reinstating the sentencing commission, reforming parole practices and restoring ...

Of cons and condiments: Prisons cut costs in dimes and dollars

Of cons and condiments: Prisons cut costs in dimes and dollars

The state Department of Corrections will cut back on patrols outside its prison walls and change the job classifications of some corrections officers next month to save an estimated $25 million a year. But the head ...

Are private prisons Mich.’s cost savior?

Are private prisons Mich.’s cost savior?

Michigan has shrunk its prison population by more than 7,000 inmates since 2006. Nevertheless, the state’s prison system continues to consume more than 20 percent of the state’s general fund budget. Now, some legislators are considering ...