Budget bill would reopen prison ombudsman's office - Michigan News, Updates, Photos & Video Detroit, Lansing - MLive.com

EDT • Zilwaukee Bridge work detour lengthened due to construction snag 3 27 2008, 5:35 p.m. EDT • A look at how much green power state government would have to buy 3 27 2008, 4:40 p.m. A Department of Corrections budget approved unanimously Wednesday would spend $500,000 so a legislative ombudsman's office could hear complaints lodged by prisoners and their families. Advocates of the office say prisons needs outside scrutiny.

The state is facing a lawsuit over the death of a 21-year-old mentally ill inmate who was restrained in a hot cell. Female prisoners recently won a $15 million judgment in Washtenaw County Circuit Court for rapes at the hands of male workers. There also is criticism over health care provided for inmates.

The House voted to create an ombudsman's office last week. Lawmakers hope to finish the state budget by July.

Important keywords of article: , mentally, office, million, lawsuit, look, edt, legislative, department, hot