Michigan Conference American Association of University Professors |
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CAPPS
Citizens Alliance on Prisons & Public Spending
The Michigan Conference (AAUP) is an active affiliate of CAPPS.
This organization was established as an umbrella organization of many different organizations, associations and individuals who are seriously concerned about the ever-increasing cost of the Department of Corrections - and continuing projected increasing costs in the future - to the detriment of higher education and other worthwhile programs.
CAPPS has a number of alternatives which would reduce these costs substantially while still protecting the state of Michigan and make more money available to higher education and other deserving programs.
To spell out specific programs and gather supporting data, CAPPS is inviting faculty members such as economists, sociologist, psychologists, criminal justice, criminology, etc., to volunteer a little of their time and expertise to help in the development of these materials. Most of this work will be done by e-mail and will not involve meetings.
Please send your name, discipline, and e-mail address to Director Jeffrey Lee at jlee@miaaup.org.
He will explain exactly what CAPPS is looking for. You can then decide if you want to participate.
The State of Michigan currently contributes between $4,500 to $10,126 annually per student at Michigan's state universities.
Yet, as far back as 1995 it cost $24,449 to keep someone in prison for just one year. It took 25 taxpayers to support just one prisoner. And that cost keeps increasing because of increased salaries and other costs. Today, the cost per prisoner is between $30,000 and $35,000. CAPPS is committed to redirecting this money to help Michigan's students.
Volunteers may also be given an opportunity to appear before legislative committees to testify in areas of their expertise if they are interested.
CAPPS is now conducting a membership drive. Information is available through the CAPPS office at 517-482-7753.
Informative downloads:
Senate Hearing - February 20, 2002
FY 2003 Corrections Budget
CAPPS really needs your help.