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Legislative workgroups begin meeting in Lansing Wednesday in a renewed effort to reform sentencing guidelines in Michigan.
Lawmakers admit to the delicate nature of the discussion, since changing guidelines in an effort to reduce costs in corrections can be interpreted as being soft on crime.
Two bills to reform the guidelines have been introduced in the Michigan House. They’re sponsored by Republicans Kurt Heise of Plymouth and Martin Howrylak of Troy.
Efforts on similar bills last term failed to get final approval.
The bills make changes to the probation and parole system.
The sponsors say the goal is to balance adequate punishment with fiscal realities.
Michigan‘s corrections budget has continually grown, and now exceeds $2 billion per year and represents 20% of the state budget.
