If you’re a Michigan resident who is passionate about criminal justice reform, you will want to mark Wednesday, September 17, on your calendar. On that day, the Citizens Alliance on Prisons and Public Spending (CAPPS) is sponsoring a special event called Legislative Day that will give you a chance to speak with politicians and policy makers about critical reforms in sentencing and parole.
Two of these reforms are House Bills 5078 and 4809. House Bill 5078 would create a commission to research sentencing practices and the effects of long-term prison or jail stays. House Bill 4809 would give juveniles sentenced to life without parole a chance for parole after fifteen years. It would also require parole boards to consider details such as age at the time an offense was committed.
CAPPS sees the potential for these bills and others like them to reduce Michigan’s prison population and save taxpayers millions of dollars. If you are a Michigan resident, Legislative Day is a great opportunity for you to catch that same vision too. As the familiar expression says, knowledge is power, and getting informed on the latest criminal justice reforms is one concrete step to empower yourself to make a difference in your Michigan community.
What: Legislative Day
When:8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Where:Lansing Catholic Diocese, Madonna Hall, 228 N. Walnut Street, Lansing, MI
Registration is free! Email capps@capps-mi.org or call 517-482-7753 to reserve your spot today.
Visit www.capps-mi.org for more information.