Lawmakers in Lansing are once again looking into changes to the state’s criminal justice and corrections system. A House committee met today for the first of what is likely to be several hearings on the issue.
“Smart on crime, soft on our taxpayers”
That’s the new motto Republican Representative Klint Kesto is trying to adopt as Michigan’s attitude toward criminal justice.
Kesto says the state needs to focus on rehabilitation to prevent recidivism, and send fewer people to prison.
“It’s not about being tough on crime. It’s – let’s address it before the crime happens perhaps, when there are minor crimes.”
Kesto says for now the committee is focused on hearing testimony and having a discussion about the issue. But Kesto isn’t ruling out new legislation in the future