Michigan

Michigan revising rates for prison inmate calls after FCC decision

(Source: https://goo.gl/Un5i5Y License: https://goo.gl/VAhsB)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Department of Corrections is revising rates for inmate phone calls after the Federal Communications Commission decided to reduce the cost of jail and prison phone calls.

Corrections Department spokesman Chris Gautz tells The Detroit News officials are working to determine how the change will impact revenue.

The department last year generated $11.5 million from inmate calls. The money flows into a “special equipment fund” used in recent years for security upgrades and counseling programs such as violence prevention and sex-offender treatment.

Gautz says officials hope to transfer funds from another part of the budget to continue counseling programs, but there could be fewer classes.

The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association opposed the FCC’s decision, saying it could cause sheriffs to reduce calling times for inmates or remove jail phones.

Related posts

Local News podcast for April 30, 2024

Jon Zimney

Deadly motorcycle crash being investigated in Van Buren County

Jon Zimney

$205,296 collected during annual Radiothon for Five Star Life

95.3 MNC