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Governor says Prison upgrades are on the way

Governor Rick Snyder
Governor Rick Snyder
Governor Rick Snyder

Gov. Rick Snyder says state prisons are overdue for an overhaul. He told a graduating class of corrections officers today that the recession delayed critical improvements.

“It has be understood that when we go through tough economic times, people look for places to cut back,” Snyder said. “And, too often, legislators, other leaders in the state, and the public look to corrections as a place to cut back. That wasn’t a wise decision.”

The state has cut $250 million from the corrections budget since Gov. Snyder took office.

The governor says prisons need security upgrades and more cameras, among other things. He says the state must also invest in better mental health services. 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987.