FAMM supports the creation of independent prison oversight in Michigan, which benefits families, incarcerated people, and taxpayers. By implementing evidence-based reforms, state lawmakers can save taxpayer dollars or redirect those savings to proven alternatives to reduce crime and recidivism. To get involved in our work in Michigan, sign up for our emails and contact our Deputy Policy Director, Maria Goellner, at mgoellner@famm.org.
2023 Legislative Priorities
We believe that all correctional facilities should be safe and humane, and individuals who are incarcerated should remain close to their homes in order to maintain important family bonds. FAMM supports policies that provide individuals with rehabilitative programs and meaningful work and education opportunities, as well as substance abuse and mental health treatment. Further, we believe that every prison system should be subject to oversight by an independent body that has authority to monitor and inspect facilities, address prisoner grievances, and provide recommendations for improving correctional departments.
Read more about FAMM’s work on oversight.
Read about Michigan’s current Office of Legislative Corrections Ombudsman.
Read a summary of SB 493 to improve Michigan Ombudsman processes and transparency.
Read SB 493 from Senator Sylvia Santana here.
Tell your lawmakers to support independent prison oversight in Michigan!
Our justice system imprisons people to deter crime, punish those who commit crimes, protect the public, and rehabilitate prisoners who will one day return home. At FAMM, we believe prisoners should be released when they are too debilitated to commit further crimes, too compromised to benefit from rehabilitation, or too impaired to be aware of punishment. Michigan has many aging and ill people whose continued incarceration is expensive, unnecessary, and unjust. Michigan’s current law allowing for discretionary release of old and sick people should be expanded and improved.
Read FAMM’s Memo on the current state of compassionate release in Michigan
Read FAMM’s Report Card Grading the current Michigan system an “F”
Tell your lawmakers to support compassionate release in Michigan!
How You Can Advocate for Sentencing Reform in Michigan
You can do several things to work toward reforming your Michigan’s sentencing laws.
