Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's Fiscal Year 2008 budget recommendation has been presented to the Michigan State Legislature. 

The proposal earmarks $2 billion for the Department of Corrections, a $74.5 million increase over last year's allocation.  The Governor advocates comprehensive corrections policy reform, with an eye toward "providing the most cost effective and safe prison system" for the state. The policy recommendations are to:

1. Continue the successful Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative (MPRI) with additional funding;

2. Closely examine specific prisoner subpopulations for potential clemency and consideration for parole.  These include medically fragile prisoners with rapidly deteriorating health, elderly prisoners and prisoners with foreign citizenship who would be deported to their home countries by the federal government;

3. Suggest changes in sentencing guidelines for non-violent offenders.  Currently the so-called "straddle cell" cases (where non-violent offenders could be sentenced to either prison or community sanctions at the judges' discretion) are imprisoned at nearly twice the anticipated rate of 22%.

Michigan's state prison system is out of step with its Midwestern neighbors. U.S. Department of Justice statistics reveal that our incarceration rate is 489 prisoners per 100,000 Michigan residents.  This is 28% higher than the Midwest average of 383 prisoners per 100,000 residents.

4. Introduce the MPRI Community Placement Program.  This program proposes to provide community placement for certain non-violent offenders who would be strictly supervised through electronic monitoring tethers and/or placement in corrections centers. 

It is envisioned that the program would be in effect for three years, as recommended adjustments to the sentencing guidelines would eliminate the need for the program after that.

The proposed reforms in the budget would achieve a savings of $122 million in the Corrections budget for fiscal year 2008. Thirty million dollars of the savings will be reinvested in additional parole supervision and community resources, thus bringing the net savings to $92 million.

What will all of this mean to MDOC employees directly?  Right now, it is simply too soon to be able to answer that question. While the proposal gets the budget ball rolling,  keep in mind that it is only the beginning of a process that will take some time to complete.  We will keep you informed through regular updates in the F.Y.I. as it unfolds.

Don't forget that we want to hear from our employees with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.  We have already received comments and cost savings suggestions from some employees; thank you for your input.  It is vital to keep the lines of communication open.  Contact the Public Information Office at (517) 373-6391 or correctionsinfo@michigan.gov.