Advocates for changes to prison sentencing are trying again to repeal Michigan's Truth in Sentencing law.
The last ballot initiative in 2020 failed to get enough signatures, largely due to pandemic restrictions on public gatherings.
Truth in Sentencing requires inmates to serve their full minimum sentence before they can seek parole.
Kira is with Black Women Worldwide. It's part of the coalition to repeal the law.
Lee says it discourages inmates from participating in self-improvement activities like job training.
She says "the current system has us leading the world in citizens that are locked up and our crime rates are no lower for it, so if we just follow data, the mass incarceration system in place is not working, which was the point of rehabilitation, if all we use is punishment, negative reinforcement, we're investing in negative outcomes."
Lee says research shows that longer sentences do not improve public safety.
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan does not support repealing the Truth in Sentencing law.