Lt. Governor Announces Job Court Pilot Program

Liz Gullett

Nov 05, 2021

This week, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced the creation of the Jobs Court program, which would put residents accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses in good-paying jobs in order to reduce recidivism and help businesses with worker shortages. Lt. Governor Gilchrist was joined by Attorney General Dana Nessel to launch the program at Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit(an MLC client). The pilot program invests $5.5 million to help up to 450 eligible defendants in Wayne, Genesee, and Marquette counties obtain and maintain gainful employment. Individuals who qualify and are selected would be matched with participating employers. They will be required to maintain frequent and open communication with their employer and the State of Michigan to ensure accountability and compliance with the requirements of the program. Additionally, participants will be eligible for wraparound services such as mental healthcare, transportation to and from work, and access to a social worker. The new proposal is part of the larger MI Safe Communities framework that Governor Gretchen Whitmer laid out in August.

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