It's been disappointing to see that some critics of the MPRI continue to distort the record of the MPRI to score political points and stir up opposition.  We hear about these distortions from readers of the MPRI eNews, and we try to respond to all of them.  When you hear or read misstatements about the MPRI, you might want to have the facts at your fingertips so that you can respond quickly and confidently. 

The Department of Corrections has put together a new document that spells out some of the facts.  For instance, through May there have been 33 percent fewer returns to prison for parole violations or new crimes than would have been expected without the MPRI.  That equates to almost 2,800 fewer returns to prison -- and safer communities because crimes are not being committed.

To see the document, click here.

Michigan will have a new governor come January 1, 2011, and we are pleased to report that both Republican Rick Snyder and Democrat Virg Bernero understand the importance of the MPRI.

The Detroit Free Press, for instance, included this in a graphic on where the candidates stand on key issues. The topic was "Controlling prison costs; early release of inmates."

Mr. Snyder
"Says the state should spend more on prisoner re-entry and education programs and place more emphasis on prison alternatives for nonviolent criminals.  Advocates more spending on front-line mental health programs and tackling prison operation costs including employee compensation."

Mayor Bernero

The Northwest Michigan MPRI does a terrific job of telling the story of the MPRI through video.

Earlier this year, Community Coordinator Kirt Baab produced a video on MPRI participants being trained as welders.  Now, there's a video -- on youtube and on the Northwest Michigan MPRI Web site -- showing how an MPRI work crew is working with nonprofit agencies and getting the work experience that will help them find permanent jobs.

 "I think they're all really eager and they're all good workers, and they just want to do a good job," MPRI crew supervisor Joe Parent says in the video.  "They want to get back on their feet and prove that they're able to hold a job and prove to people that they are hiring material."

To see the latest video, click here.  To go to the Northwest Michigan MPRI Web site, click here. Check out the complete video library.

The folks in France aren't the only ones outside the state learning about the success of the MPRI.  The latest edition of the Washington Monthly showcases the MPRI as an effective strategy that has reduced crime while also reducing the prison population.

Reporter Luke Mogelson traveled across the state and interviewed prison officials, prisoners, law enforcement leaders and others in an in-depth report.

"When parolees are less likely to reoffend, more prisoners can be let go without jeopardizing public safety," he writes.

To see the full story, click here.

U.S Attorney General Eric Holder announced $110 million in fiscal year 2010 funding for the Second Chance Act reentry grants and the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

"Today's Department of Justice is dedicated to being smart, not only tough, on crime -- and our reentry efforts are no exception, Attorney General Holder said at the European Offenders Employment Forum in Washington.  "It is vital that we help ensure that people who want to improve our society, as well as their own circumstances, have opportunities to grow, to learn, and to contribute."

To see a press release on the announcement, click here. To see more about the awards, click here.