Michigan prison officials need to do more to make sure inmates have access to education programs.
That’s according to a new report from the state Auditor General’s office.
We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Jake Neher.
The audit shows the Michigan Department of Corrections failed to identify prisoners who qualify for federal assistance to take classes. And it says the department didn’t assess the programs to make sure they’re effective.
Russ Marlan is a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections. He says the department recognizes how important the programs are for rehabilitating prisoners.
“If someone can find a job, they’re obviously paying taxes and providing their own housing and their own transportation,” he says. “So it’s really a win-win for us.”
Marlan says the department agrees with the problems identified in the report. He says it’s already working to improve the state’s prisoner education programs.