Today, as part of Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities Plan, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joined Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Goodwill Industries, the United Auto Workers, other businesses across state, and representatives from the law enforcement and criminal justice communities to announce a new proposal called Jobs Court, which would put Michiganders accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses in good-paying jobs to reduce recidivism and help businesses staff up.
“The Jobs Court proposal we unveiled today will make a crucial difference for Michiganders, their families, and communities,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Jobs Court will help address the backlog in our court system, fill job openings across the state, grow our economy, and connect those in need with critical resources. I’m thankful for the hard work of Attorney General Nessel in putting this proposal together and look forward to working with the legislature to get it done.”
The new proposal would make a $5.5 million investment to establish Jobs Court, a pilot program to give up to 450 eligible defendants in Wayne, Genesee and Marquette counties accused of low-level, nonviolent crimes an opportunity to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
“Today’s announcement is an important step forward in our efforts to reform Michigan’s criminal justice system so that it is focused on rehabilitation and positioning people for success,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Jobs are the key to success, and Jobs Court will support eligible Michiganders by connecting them with good-paying jobs, benefits, and the social services assistance they need to support themselves and their families. With today’s proposal we are addressing a root cause of public safety issues by connecting eligible offenders with the support they need to find and maintain employment.”
“Jobs Court is an innovative program that checks all of the boxes: it’s smart on crime, reduces the burden on our criminal justice system, puts offenders on a permanent path to success, helps our local businesses, and makes our communities safer,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am grateful to Governor Whitmer for including my proposal as part of her MI Safe Communities framework and I look forward to working with the Legislature and our local law enforcement partners on this groundbreaking new initiative.”
Individuals who qualify and are selected for Jobs Court would be matched with participating employers to work a good-paying job with benefits, opportunity, and training to learn transferable career skills. They will be required to maintain frequent and open communication with their employer and with the State of Michigan to ensure accountability and compliance with the requirements of the program and will be eligible for wraparound services such as mental healthcare, transportation to and from work, and access to a social worker. Prosecutors will be offered the option to dismiss charges against Jobs Court participants who successfully complete the one-year program.
“Survey after survey tell us that the public wants courts that are engaged with local communities and connected with the people they serve,” said Chief Justice Bridget M. McCormack. “Jobs Court provides exactly what the public is asking for – courts that are community resources, helping to connect people with jobs and the support they need to get their lives back on track. This is not a free ride but a common sense approach that solves problems and strengthens communities.”
The Jobs Court proposal is modeled in part on the successful programs the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) has launched to provide prisoners with education, skills, and job training in high-demand fields. Since 2016, MDOC programs such as Vocational Village have delivered training in automotive technology, welding, robotics, computer coding, commercial truck driving, forklift operation, carpentry, plumbing, electrical trades, and concrete and masonry work. MDOC’s work in this field has resulted in higher employment rates for released prisoners and Michigan’s lowest recidivism rate in state history.
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