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 sentencing credits — that could safely reduce the prisoner population by thousands and reduce spending by the hundreds of […]
Michigan Government
Citizens cannot do their job of running their government if they don’t know what their public servants are doing.
Posted inMichigan Government
A Wings fan in Wasilla?
If you’ve ever worked on a film set, you know that nothing happens by accident — at least in front of the camera. Every prop, from throw pillows on the sofa to the painting hanging on the wall behind the actors, is vetted, to use a word from contemporary politics. To not do so is […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Rick Snyder, Bill Clinton, discuss
Reading over Gov. Rick Snyder’s special message on public safety, I was struck by its rather Clintonian tone in a number of areas. I know those are fighting words to certain folks, but I make note of this not to spark a conflict, but to attract attention to the ongoing political ferment in Republican circles […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lags on ethics, lobbying, campaign rules
If Michigan lawmakers are serious about cluing the public in on the money being spent to win elections and influence policy-makers, there are plenty of places to look for guidance. Fifty states have crafted 50 systems, which vary substantially. Oregon, for example, is exceptionally strong in making sure that all campaign donations and spending are […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan campaign finance rules weak; reform prospects unclear
There are limits to the amount of money you can donate to the candidate of your choice in Michigan. But, as with other elements of Michigan’s lobbying and ethics rules, the state’s campaign finance limits are somewhat loose. Under current law, an individual can donate $500 to a candidate for the state House, $1,000 for […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Five decisions for a more ethical state government
By Phil Power and Derek Melot/Bridge Magazine Time and again – not least in the recent Republican presidential primary election – we hear of the countless ways money has infested and debased our political system. And in countless community conversations held by the Center for Michigan, we heard from citizens who want reform, of the […]
Posted inMichigan Government
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 of the union representing the nearly 8,000 corrections officers complained those moves could make the prisons less safe, while […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Guest post: The inhumanity of for-profit prisons
By Shelia Bedi/Southern Poverty Law Center Before Michigan legislators send inmates to a GEO Group operated prison, I urge them to consider Mississippi’s experience with the nation’s second largest private prison operator. Mississippi’s Walnut Grove Youth Facility was known for its violent and corrupt culture – a culture perpetuated by facility management and staff. As […]
Posted inMichigan Government
All hail our robotic car overlords!
We all remember the dumb things we did behind the wheels as teens. And parents can regale any cocktail party with stories of what their teenagers are doing behind the wheel today. So, I doubt there will be much opposition to Senate Bill 756, Sen. Howard Walker’s bid to change the traffic code to bar […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Legislature + lobbyists is a match made with money
Willie Sutton reputedly said he robbed banks because that’s where the money was. Freshmen lawmakers new to the ways and means of Lansing find the same principle applies when replenishing their campaign accounts mere weeks after taking the oath. Where the money is for that purpose can be a quick step across the street from […]