MPRI eNews
Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Update
February 2010: Governor submits MPRI budget for 2010-2011
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| Data Points |
Total MPRI Releases through 9/2009: 19,105
Expected number of returns: 6,491
Actual number of returns: 4,408
Improvement: 2,083
Note: While these results for MPRI parolees are precisely what was hoped for, it is still too early to say that MPRI activities alone caused the changes. For much more information, click here. |
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| Welcome to the February 2010 MPRI eNews! |
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Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's proposed 2011 budget is hot off the press and sets the stage for the annual debate over state priorities.
If you're reading this, chances are good you know the great work the MPRI is doing in your community and around the state to protect neighborhoods and make smart use of limited resources. The Legislature has provided strong bipartisan support for the MPRI in the past, but we need your help in communicating that message.
As always, we're eager to spread the word about the MPRI. Please send an e-mail to your list of colleagues, friends, or family who might have an interest in the MPRI eNews and suggest they check it out. Cut and paste this link into your e-mail, so they can subscribe:
Thanks for your help. And, as always, we thank you for reading! Please send us your comments and suggestions.
Jeff Padden and Paul Elam
Public Policy Associates, Inc. |
| Tight Budget Retains Strong Support for the MPRI |
G  overnor Jennifer M. Granholm presented her Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on Feb. 11, and it continues to reflect her commitment to protecting public safety and taxpayer dollars through effective re-entry programs.
Governor Granholm is proposing a $2 billion Department of Corrections budget ($1.9 billion in general fund). To see the Department of Corrections portion of the executive budget, click here.
Despite the State's extremely difficult financial situation, the budget includes continuation of the $55.7 million appropriation for the MPRI, plus increases in parole capacity. The budget is predicated on reinstatement of Time Off for Good Behavior for qualifying prisoners. This would result in the parole of about 7,500 additional prisoners and would save over $187 million. Of that amount, $57.9 million would be reinvested in expanding community capacity to handle the increased number of parolees, and within this amount is an additional $22.7 million for MPRI.
MDOC Director Patricia Caruso presented the plan to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections. To see her PowerPoint presentation, click here. Sen. Alan Cropsey, who chairs the subcommittee, said the numbers don't add up. He said the plan would reduce prisoner population by 24% and MDOC staffing by 15% from their peaks, but only reduce the budget by 5%. He presented his own PowerPoint, which the MPRI eNews requested but has not yet received. | |
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Budget Plan Calls for 'Good Time' Provisions
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The proposed FY-2011 budget calls for the reinstatement of "good time," sentence credits for inmates who behave well in prison. Governor Granholm is asking the Legislature to pass House Bills 4497-4499, which would apply to current and future inmates. Good time provisions and other reforms would enable the state to reduce the prison population by 7,500 within four to six months of enactment and would result in net savings of $129 million. Additional investments would be made in technology, parole staffing, and re-entry services to ensure public safety. The Detroit News endorsed the plan, saying it will save the state money and put Michigan's corrections system more in line with other states. To see the Detroit News editorial, click here. To see a Detroit Free Press article, click here. |
Michigan Corrections Officers OK Concessions
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Members of the Michigan Corrections Organization stepped up to do their part in addressing the state's budget deficit. They approved concessions that will save the state $8.2 million primarily through a new health care coverage plan for employees hired after April 1, 2010. For a Lansing State Journal story on the agreement, click here. For the Governor's press release, click here. |
| Prisoners Arrive from Pennsyvania |
 The first 160 prisoners from Pennsylvania have arrived at the Muskegon Correctional Facility. Tom Tylutki, president of the Michigan Corrections Organization, toured the prison the first day and reported things were going smoothly. The facility could eventually take up to 1,300 prisoners. By taking Pennsylvania prisoners, Michigan is able to keep the Muskegon Correctional Facility open and save about 240 jobs. Pennsylvania is paying the full cost of the operation. To see a Muskegon Chronicle article, click here. |
| Police, Parole Team Up in Calhoun County |
Enhanced supervision of parolees is a key part of the success of the MPRI, and partnerships with law enforcement are making it a reality across the state.
The Battle Creek Enquirer recently spotlighted expanded efforts in Calhoun County. Parole agents are teaming up with Battle Creek Police, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department, and the Michigan State Police to make unannounced visits to check on parolees.
To see the Battle Creek Enquirer story, click here. |
MPRI Participants Brighten Living Center
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 Community service is an excellent way for returning prisoners to transition back to their homes. In Battle Creek, female MPRI participants partnered with the Kambly Living Center to paint the resident living quarters. The center is a nonprofit adult foster care facility for people with develomental disabilities. To read MPRI community coordinator Michael DeBoer's account of the project in the Battle Creek Enquirer, click here. |
Sign Up for Michigan Council on Crime & Delinquency Newsletter
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 The Michigan Council on Crime & Delinquency has been a partner in the MPRI since its inception, and it has been a strong voice for effective criminal justice policies through prevention and treatment.
Readers of the MPRI eNews can keep up with the good work going on every day at the MCCD through its newsletter. To become a subscriber, click here.
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| TV News Reports Tout Success of the MPRI |
Television viewers in southwest Michigan have a much better understanding of the important and effective work of the MPRI. WNDU-TV recently broadcasted a three-part series on the MPRI, pointing out how the MPRI is both saving money and helping parolees become law-abiding citizens when they return home. To see part one of the series, click here, part two, click here, part three, click here. | |
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