Think We Are Bad Off? Michigan Wants Our Prisoners!

California: No prisoners headed to Michigan

By KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN
Associated Press Writer

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 - 10:37 am

LANSING, Mich. -- California officials have sent a letter to Michigan's corrections director saying thanks but no thanks on using Michigan prisons to house its inmates.

Michigan still is asking for states that might be interested in using soon-to-be-closed prisons in Standish and Muskegon. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm says housing other states' prisoners will let the state keep hundreds of jobs.

California officials evaluated both prisons. But they said in a letter sent Monday that the proposed per diem rate that Michigan would charge is "significantly higher" than the rates currently paid to contract for other out-of-state beds.

Pennsylvania also is considering using the Michigan prisons, and the administration of President Barack Obama is looking at housing Guantanamo detainees in Standish.