Privatization | January 2013
Senate Bill 878, which authorizes the operation of private prisons in Michigan, was signed by Governor Snyder on January 11, 2012, despite serious concerns raised by unions representing corrections employees and advocates for corrections reforms.
A private prison near Baldwin that is owned by the Geo Group, based in Florida, is expected to be reopened under the terms of the bill, which was sponsored by Sen. John Proos (R-St. Joseph). House Republicans put SB 878 on a fast track on the last day of the lame duck session. CAPPS will continue to keep members informed as the bill is implemented.
In December, CAPPS joined many national and state groups to urge Governor Snyder to veto SB 878:
Dear Governor Snyder,
As Michigan-based and national organizations with an interest in criminal justice policies and practices, we urge you to veto SB 878, a bill that would expand the scope of prison privatization in Michigan. We understand that SB 878 is intended to permit private prison corporation GEO Group to resume operations of the North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin, and to incarcerate Michigan or out-of-state prisoners at that facility.
We oppose this bill for many reasons.
Read>> Privatization letter to Snyder December 2012