Two Michigan research nonprofits have compiled an updated health measurement for the state, and it’s grim. Michigan has fallen to 39th of 50 states in overall health, but policy changes can make a difference.
Almost every state in the nation is growing faster, causing economic hardship for Michigan residents and businesses. State leaders are looking to reverse the trend. If we can’t be Florida, can we at least be Indiana?
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Since 1980, Michigan’s biggest growth industry has been its prison system.
It is a dubious distinction, as the state devotes a bigger share of its general fund budget to prisons than any other state. With annual spending of about $2 billion, Michigan pumps more money into corrections than higher education. And the state keeps its prisoners behind bars longer than the national average.
Conservatives and liberals alike are now saying it is a price Michigan can no longer afford. While opposition to change remains, critics are renewing a push for reforms that include reducing sentencing guidelines for many non-violent crimes, changes in parole procedures and release of some sick and elderly prisoners that cost upwards of $200,000 a year just for mental health and medical care.