Michigan Prisons

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Michigan Prisons

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Posted: 4:42 PM May 3, 2008
Last Updated: 4:42 PM May 3, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- A new report says unless policymakers reduce the inmate population, Michigan's $2 billion prison system will cost another $500 million in four years.
The Citizens Research Council of Michigan projects the 50,200-inmate population will expand by 5,800 in that time.
The Detroit News says the report was unveiled Friday at a meeting of about 100 prison experts discussing ways to reduce spending while protecting residents.
The state closed two prisons and a reception center last year to save money.
Michigan is trying to speed up the parole process for about 3,500 inmates who were convicted of nonviolent, nonsexual offenses, or who are seriously ill.

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Posted by: sammy Location: flint on May 6, 2008 at 11:39 AM
most when released go to homeless shelterrs if they have no one to stay with.some repeat crimes just to get sent to jail ect so they have a roof over there heads.it is truely a no win problem.if more harsh punishments would be inforced,some may not do many crimes.then again who will change punishments to be stricter.if it fails,more will be in prison.it's a hard call when prisoners get the free medical and meds,and a roof over there heads,heat ect when many on the out side don't even get 3 meals a day.the gov helps funds prisons but can't see to it people get raises in food cards and more help to the food banks.many do not hire prisoners when released due to there records.there are so many things wrong with the system of things.so the real punishment for prisoners released comes when they get out of prison,no jobs,homeless and less food,and no medicals.as time goes on the problem worsens,so death penalty is about the only thing that will be left.

Posted by: James Location: Stockbridge on May 4, 2008 at 03:41 PM
It would be cheaper to hire these convicts as state employees and transfer them work in another state.

Posted by: John Location: Davis on May 4, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I think the Govt. needs to bring back the death penalty. There are alot of prisoners in prison for life and they sit there for ever as the good people of Michigan pay for them . If they did a heinous crime then there is no reason to keep them around.States that have the death penalty dont have as much crime or overcrowding...The Govt will want to close more prisons and in return get more people hurting for money in return more crime will happen. we will just have to see what happens I hope they dont close more prisons if they do get ready for some real crime to come out ..when u close a prison alot of things happen that the people of Michigan dont know about.where do all of the prisoners go . they dont have room for them so where do they go ?? does anyone know...? I know they will be coming to a neighbor hood near u...

Posted by: tom Location: holt on May 3, 2008 at 07:24 PM
if the punishments for doing many crimes would be stricter many might think twice before doing crimes.the law makers need to get busy and change many laws.we can't blame people when they do many things because the punishments are so lack.then we look at how hard times are getting due to gas prices bringing up many prices,causing much stress on people.guess someone forget how despert people acted in the last depression.we also must remember the news reports telling how so much crime fighting money funds were getting low or we were out of.how many police dept have laid off officers.of course crime will rise.there are many reasons for it happening.some get one sentence for a crime others differnt.so prisons will get crowed.then again with not enough jobs in mich and the price of stuff,all thoes now homeless,prisons do provide a roof and 3 meals a day and meds and medical attention.more then some people get who obey laws.and if realseed where are prisoners going to get work.

Posted by: brandyi Location: hlldale michigan on May 3, 2008 at 05:40 PM
i just wanna say keep up the good work and i can u are right u need to let all the nonviolent prisoner out so they can have there freedom to i think they all need a change again to be out here befor there is no hope for them they say after bein in there so long they get used to it and that not a good think