Associated Press, November 30, 2014
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“Michigan lawmakers are considering changes in the state’s criminal justice system, including a fairer path to parole for prisoners and a data-driven effort to rewrite sentencing guidelines for certain crimes.
The case is being made by a western Michigan Republican, Rep. Joe Haveman of Holland, who believes millions of dollars could be saved in the years ahead without threatening public safety. The four-bill package could get a vote as early as this week.
‘What could be the outcome of having less people in prison? Of having less crime? Of having revenue that we could spend on schools and roads instead of locking people up?’ Haveman said. ‘We cannot continue to imprison citizens for longer and longer sentences with no positive outcomes.'”