FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2005

CONTACT: Senator Mike Prusi 517-373-7840 866-305-2038

POLITICS GET IN THE WAY OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Prusi Urges Sub-Committee Chair to Reconsider Proposed Closing of Newberry Correctional Facility

Lansing — Senator Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) expressed his displeasure with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary and Corrections recommendation to close Newberry Correctional Facility, putting 345 jobs and the public’s safety at risk. Today’s action by Senate Republicans was against the recommendation of the State Auditor General and the Department of Corrections and counter to data compiled by the nonpartisan Senate and House Fiscal Agencies. No notice was given to local public officials, the Newberry Corrections staff, or the areas’ two state elected officials.

“I am offended by the action taken by my Republican colleagues today,” said Senator Prusi. “However, I want to assure Upper Peninsula residents this is not a done deal; it is only the first step in a long budget process.”

Today’s proposal to close the Newberry facility is a Republican counter proposal to the non-partisan Auditor General, Department of Corrections, and Governor’s recommendation calling for the closure of a private youth facility in Lake County. In 1999, Sen. Prusi, as a House member, initially proposed closing the Lake County facility because of its improper management, including the mistreatment of minors, and vendor’s failure to comply with its state contract. To date, the facility still fails to meet the state’s expectations.

“The community should be afforded an opportunity to appeal this proposal,” said Sen. Prusi. “I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues would play politics with people’s jobs and the public’s safety.”

Please note, an audio clip of Senator Prusi commenting on the proposed closure can be found at: http://www.senate.mi.gov/Audio%20Clips/38-060205-2.wav

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Mike Prusi serves as Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He represents the 38th
Senate District, which includes 13 of the 15 Upper Peninsula counties.