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AG Nessel Statement on Jobs Court, Organized Retail Crime Budget Funding

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement on the budget deal that includes funding for the proposed Jobs Court pilot and plan to combat Organized Retail Crime: 

“I applaud our colleagues in the legislature for ensuring this budget deal includes funding for my department’s criminal justice reforms that help bolster our economy, protect business owners, and combat recidivism.   

“Under my Jobs Court proposal, which already received support from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michiganders accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses would have an opportunity for placement in good-paying jobs to both reduce recidivism and help businesses staff up. I firmly believe this is smart on crime, can reduce the burden on our criminal justice system and will put offenders on a permanent path to success while simultaneously supporting local businesses and community safety.  

“We also know that businesses are up against Organized Retail Crime, which is the large-scale theft of retail merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise for financial gain. This funding, along with a change to Michigan's Racketeering Statute, can help law enforcement agencies secure more resources to effectively combat and contain this growing problem.  

“I will continue to advocate for judicious allocations that will positively impact Michiganders and our state as a whole.” 

The legislation tied to combatting Organized Retail Crime – SB 691 – has been passed by both chambers. 

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