Prisoners to be released back in our neighborhoods?

The decision could send a large number of prisoners home and back into our neighborhoods.

The Michigan Parole Board would then be pressured into granting parole for more prisoners who have served and who are deemed less likely to cause reputable harm to others upon release.

The new policy is a change in many politicians’ attitude towards curbing crime in the state. The 1980s and 1990s saw a rise in funding for prisons and an increase in law enforcement to address crime and bolster the now current mammoth prison system.

Gov. Rock Snyder is in support of the bill despite push back from Attorney General Bill Schuette and law enforcement officials. The decision was 67-39.

Many attribute the new policy to the uncontrollable increase in funding of the prison system that is costing the state so much money. The state is facing a need for funding to address other pressing public matters such as roads and education.

The cost of the state prison system is now estimated at $2 billion with more than 43,000 inmates. The new bill is expected to save the state $75 million annually during the next five to 10 years.