Michigan is one of six states that has no way for prisoners to earn time off their sentences.
The ‘Good Time’ initiative is seeking signatures to put the issue on the statewide ballot.
Among the supporters is former Detroit Mayor, and former inmate, Kwame Kilpatrick. He says giving prisoners the option to use job training and schooling to get out earlier reduces recidivism.
“When they walk out, they have opportunities on the street you have people that are coming out of federal prison making $50-60,000 when they hit the street because there’s hope there.”
Inmates would also be able to reduce their sentences by taking anger management and drug treatment courses.
450-thousand signatures need to be collected to put the issue on the November ballot.