Major Corrections Changes On Tap

Michigan Department of Corrections Director Dan Heyns announced major changes to the State’s corrections operations Wednesday, including the closure of one facility. Under the plan, the Mound Correctional Facility in Detroit, with 1000 beds for level 2 prisoners, will close January 7, 2012. The plan will also bid out all health and mental health services throughout the Department of Corrections, as well as all operations at the Woodland Center Correctional Facility in Whitmore Lake, which largely houses severely mentally ill inmates.

Officials claim the plan will save $50 million in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which begins Saturday, and roughly $62 million for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. An estimated 2,000 of Michigan’s nearly 16,000 Department of Corrections’ employees would potentially be affected by the changes, largely stemming from a significant decline in the Michigan prisoner population. The Department has reported 43,225 current inmates, down from the 2007 all-time high of over 51,000.

The Department of Corrections, like other state departments, was asked to develop contingency plans if the state was unsuccessful in negotiating $145 million in concessions from employees for the upcoming fiscal year. The announced changes originated from this exercise; however, Director Heyns made it clear the changes are no-longer related to success in concession negotiations, or lack thereof.

Reactions from members of the Legislature were mixed, as expected. Republicans, including House Appropriations Corrections Subcommittee Chair Representative Joseph Haveman (R-Holland) and Speaker of the House Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) were encouraged by the announcements. Meanwhile, many Democrats, including those representing the area of the City of Detroit where the facility lies, Rep. John Olumba (D-Detroit) and Senator Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park), claim the Administration had previously committed that the Mound facility would remain untouched.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 30, 2011 12:11 PM
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Budget Contingency Plans Focus On Furloughs, Open Positions

Department of Technology, Management and Budget officials have ended negotiations with state employee unions on concessions for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which begins Saturday, October 1^st. In so doing, the state will be implementing the contingency plans developed by budget and departmental officials to cover the needed $145 million.

The reforms within the Department of Corrections (see related article) reduce the number significantly, largely the reason the plan lacks a call for layoffs. The contingency plan is highlighted by leaving 367 vacant positions open and requiring all unionized employees to take at least four furlough days.

In addition to the Department of Corrections, four other departments will be impacted with cuts of more than $1 million: the Department of Human Services to the tune of $18.7 million, the Department of Community Health for $6.1 million, the Department of Treasury for $3.1 million, and Michigan State Police for $1.2 million.

posted by PAA Online , 12:11 PM
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Alleged Plot to Kidnap and Potentially Murder State Rep Averted

Michigan Department of Corrections officials announced late last week that they uncovered and interrupted an alleged plot to kidnap State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) and hold her hostage in exchange for a prisoner’s release. Former Ingham County resident and current Baraga Correctional Facility inmate Larry Taylor has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged plot.

The inmate reportedly asked a fellow inmate scheduled for release to find and hire a hit man, offering $500,000. The second inmate reported the incident to authorities who then set up a sting using an undercover officer posing as a hit man.

Mr. Taylor has the highest security level rating given to an inmate, level 5, and is imprisoned on multiple offenses. His earliest possible release date is not until fall of 2038. He now faces a new felony charge of homicide-solicitation of murder.

posted by PAA Online , 12:10 PM
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Mackinac: Romney Front-Runner In Michigan

Michigan native and former Massachusetts’s Governor Mitt Romney arrived on Mackinac Island for the semi-annual Republican Mackinac Conference as though he had never left – leaving little doubt the February 28^th Republican Presidential Primary will deliver the state for Mr. Romney as it did in 2008.

Rick Perry; however, made new friends during his visit, having already gained the endorsement of U.S. Representative Candice Miller (R-Harrison Township). Both spoke to the entire conference and met with lead GOP officials, including Lt. Governor Brian Calley.

Early polls have Mr. Romney with a near 2-1 edge of Mr. Perry in Michigan.

posted by PAA Online , 12:10 PM
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Senate Panel Passes Ed Reforms

The Senate Education Committee moved legislation Wednesday that would lift the cap on university-authorized charter schools, currently at 150, and allow school districts to contract with teachers through a private company.

Senate Bill 618, sponsored by Committee Chair Senator Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair), is a portion of a larger education reform package currently receiving testimony before the panel. The Chairman’s intention is to pass the measures when Committee members feel as though they have heard ample testimony and the votes are there to pass the individual bills.

posted by PAA Online , 12:08 PM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Governor Questions Re-Election Bid

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has indicated that he may not seek re-election in 2014 if he is able to accomplish the agenda he has set in his first term, stating that he would be happy to allow “better, smarter people” take over so that he can “go fishing, go teach or do something else.”

Partial Birth Abortion Ban Legislation Headed to Governor’s Desk

After contentious debate in both Chambers of the Legislature last week, legislation banning the procedure commonly known as ‘partial birth’ abortion made it through final passage in both the House and Senate this week without debate. Senate Bill 160 moved through the House on a 75-34 vote while House Bill 4110 passed the Senate 29-9. Lt. Governor Brian Calley has indicated he believes the Governor will sign the legislation.

Recall Effort Targeting Governor Falls Short

The effort to recall Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has ended as volunteers have reported they are no-longer actively collecting signatures. Although final numbers will not be released until next week, the effort has fallen well short of the more than 800,000 signatures needed to put the recall on the ballot.

Snyder on Asian Trade Mission

Governor Rick Snyder is in the process of taking the Michigan message to three Asian countries. The Governor’s first stop was in Tokyo, Japan for the Midwest United States-Japan conference before moving onto Beijing, China for meetings with business and government officials. Before returning stateside, Governor Snyder will meet with Michigan-based automotive executives in Shanghai and stop in South Korea.

Recall Language Approved Against Three Democrats

Republican efforts to recall Democratic lawmakers received their first three approvals this week. Language seeking to recall State Representatives Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) and Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak) was approved in Oakland County Monday, while a Kent County panel approved language seeking to recall Representative Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) on Tuesday.

posted by PAA Online , 12:08 PM
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