Make prison sentencing reforms

The Detroit News is highlighting ideas from various groups to promote discussion on reform, restructuring government and the economy.

Make prison sentencing reforms

Idea 7: Reduce Michigan Department of Corrections costs by enacting management and sentencing reforms.

Why: State elected officials must start implementing stronger financial management practices and right-sizing government. The Michigan Department of Corrections budget accounts for 20 percent or $2 billion of the state's General Fund dollars. If the prison population growth continues at the expected rate, the Corrections budget will increase to $2.6 billion by 2012. Michigan's incarceration rate is 489 per 100,000 residents and is 45 percent higher than the Great Lakes average of 338. Our prisoner length of stay on average is 44.4 months, which is 48 percent higher than the Great Lakes average of 30 months. On average, it costs Michigan $106,000 per inmate per stay, which is about $35,000 higher than the Great Lakes average of $71,000.

Benefit: By adopting reforms to bring Michigan's prison population and costs in line with the Great Lakes averages, the Corrections budget would be reduced about $400 million. Without adopting significant reforms to Corrections policies, it will be extremely difficult for legislators to bring long-term balance to the state General Fund.

How: The Legislature and governor must change the law or any applicable regulations. Prison officials should make operational changes to control departmental costs.

Obstacle: Elected officials do not want to appear as soft on crime, so they tend to support stricter sentencing guidelines and less flexibility.

Source: Business Leaders for Michigan and Public Sector Consultants