September 14, 2023

Dear Senator,

We are writing to reaffirm our support for the elimination of juvenile fines and fees in Michigan and encourage you to vote Senate Bills 428 – 431 out of committee. Many elements of the juvenile fines and fees elimination legislation align with our mission and, more specifically, our focus on decriminalizing poverty.

Our CEO Action for Racial Equity (CEOARE) Fellowship unites the talent and resources of more than 100 signatory organizations, many of whom have a significant presence in Michigan, to advance racial equity through public policy. We are committed to working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to help bring equity, transparency, and accountability to our justice system.

In Michigan, youth and their families are repeatedly charged with fines and fees throughout the juvenile court process, including fees for cost of care, court-appointed attorneys, DNA assessments, and community service. These costs can quickly add up, and youth may face the difficult choice of either taking a job to pay their court bills or continuing their education. Unpaid fees can also follow youth into adulthood, harming their credit and eligibility for student loans, rental leases, or car loans. ¹

As business leaders we look to foster and leverage diversity to help drive innovation to strengthen Michigan’s economy. However, Black youths in Michigan interact with the justice system at a disproportionately higher rate compared to youths of any other race,² making it harder for businesses to hire the multicultural and skilled workforce they want and need.

Senate Bills 428 – 431 provide Michigan with the opportunity to change policies that have created a cycle of debt and stress for children and their families. Our justice system policies should give our youth, the future of our country, the opportunity for success in life, including the chance to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economic growth and development in Michigan.

CEOARE urges you to advance Senate Bills 428 – 431, which will eliminate juvenile justice fines and fees in Michigan and will enact policies that bring equity and transparency.

Sincerely,

CEO Action for Racial Equity

Citations

[1] Atasi Uppal, The High Cost of “Justice”: A Snapshot of Juvenile Court Fines and Fees in Michigan (National Center for Youth Law, August 2020), 9, https://youthlaw.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2022-02/2020.08.13-MI-Fines-Fees-1.pdf.

[2] Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice, Michigan Racial and Ethnic Disparities Data, Fiscal Year 2020, Michigan 2020 Matrix, Percentage of Minorities at Stages of the Juvenile Justice System, All Reporting Counties 2020 (Tab: Stacked 100%), https://michigancommitteeonjuvenilejustice.com/michigan-data/michigan-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-data/.