Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposal to cut prison spending by releasing thousands of inmates early for good behavior isn't gaining traction in the Michigan Legislature.
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday advanced a budget bill that does not reflect Granholm's proposals to reduce the prison population. The Senate proposal instead calls for the state to try to save money by reducing its overall costs per inmate.
The budget bill awaiting a vote by the full Senate would spend nearly $2 billion on prisons, slightly more than Granholm has proposed for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
Separate legislation to reinstate the prison time credits for good behavior has stalled in the House.