Good Time Legislation in Michigan's New Legislative Session

 Throughout the last several years, Michigan legislators have introduced several bills that would reinstate some form of good time for Michigan's prisoners. Each time, the bills have died in committee, despite having some support among legislators. 

But many Michigan prisoners are hoping this year will be different. For the first time in more than forty years, Michigan has a democratic majority in both legislative chambers and a Democrat governor. But democrats are not the only party supporting some form of good time for Michigan. Republicans, too, understand the financial strains of our current system, and they some see the value of also encouraging and rewarding good behavior among prisoners. 

Michigan ranks number one in the nation for the longest average prison sentence, at 6.5 years. It also has one of the highest cost per prisoner budgets in the nation--despite abysmal food and healthcare quality. The Michigan Department of Corrections also still has a critical shortage of corrections officers, so it is paying exorbitant overtime costs and wearing out their current staff. 

It's time for Michigan to make a significant change in its approach, especially since much research has demonstrated that longer sentences do not reduce recidivism rates. 

Michigan Justice Advocacy (MJA) has been leading the push for good time legislation, and on April 20th, Representative Amos ONeal (Saginaw) will introduce a good time bill in the current legislative session. 

The same day this legislation will be introduced, MJA will hold an event on the west lawn of Michigan's Capitol building. The event goes from 1-4 PM, though it officially starts at 2 PM. They are encouraging as many people as can to attend and show support for this critical legislation. You can also express your support to your legislator by visiting MiJustice.org/2023 and sending a personalized support letter. 

Good time legislation not only encourages prisoners to behave in positive ways in prison, but it will also save the state money, relax the terrible pressure on overworked prison staff, and allow the department to focus its efforts more efficiently on rehabilitation. 

Prior to the introduction of this new legislation, MJA will have an informational Zoom meeting on April 15th at 2PM. Please see MiJustice.org for more information. 

Additionally, after ONeal introduces this important legislation, on April 24th, he will host a town hall meeting to discuss the legislation's details. This will be held in Saginaw at the UAW, 699 hall building (1911 Bagley Street). 

If you are able, please join MJA in Lansing on April 20th, and either way, please go to MiJustice.org/2023 to send a letter of support for this legislation to your Michigan legislators!

Thank you to MJA for all their tireless work on this issue! And thank you for supporting their efforts. It's time for Michigan to join the rest of the nation in offering prisoners time cuts for good behavior.