Most times we hear of how prisons cost too much; that housing prisoners for years upon years in state or federal run jails is too costly and where is the money supposed to keep coming from? This complaint is exacerbated by the fact that most state prisons are over packed – too many people are being sent to jail and serving longer sentences.
So, what happens when things get so bad that a prison has to shut its doors? Where do all the prisoners go? When Obama was elected as President he promised that one of the first things he would do, would be to shut down the controversial prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, which most people probably agree is a good thing, but which countries should these inmates be transferred to? Who really wants more prisoners?
Well, the state of Michigan does. Michigan has a prison in Standish that could not afford to keep its doors open and a couple hundred people were going to lose their jobs if this happened. So, Michigan thought that if it could “recruit” prisoners from other states, then they could stay open.
The state of Michigan is lobbying for this to happen. The Governor, Jennifer Granholm, has basically said “bring them on.” She started asking around; California? Pennsylvania? The Feds? Detainees from Guantánamo?
California said “no” because the Standish prison would cost too much and lacked required medical facilities. The Guantánamo move might go through.
Whatever happens, we hope it all ends well for the Michigan prison system and that jobs are saved. If the Standish prison is kept open and operating then, services provided to inmates, especially those who have relatives and friends in other countries, will be on high demand. Michigan inmate mail, contact with prisoners, visitation rights, video visitation, sending money to inmates and even electronic inmate mail will all be inquired about topics. Luckily, JPay can help with all of these. So, if you know of someone who is currently in a Michigan jail or will soon be transferred to one, then rest assured, JPay is here to help.