LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate passed three bills meant to replace those that were recently vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Senate Bills 1133, 1134 and 1135 would add corrections officers, conservation officers and others to the Michigan State Police’s pension program.
On Wednesday, state Sen. Ed McBroom and state Reps. Dave Prestin, Karl Bohnak and Greg Markkanen urged their colleagues to support amended versions of the bills to expand eligibility to corrections officers while protecting the integrity of existing retirement funds.
“The Michigan Department of Corrections continues to struggle with severe staffing shortages that make our prisons more dangerous for both officers and prisoners,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “Better retirement security after years of demanding, high-risk service is a vital part of retaining the most experienced staff. I authored and introduced these bills in the last three sessions as part of a long-term solution while we also work to increase recruitment and retention of new employees. I urge a quick vote to provide corrections officers with the support they need and bring relief to the staffing crisis.”
“It’s time Lansing stopped worrying about political cover, and we definitely should not be taking advice on solutions from failed administrators like Heidi Washington,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “The Legislature needs to take action to finally deliver on a promise we made to the corrections officers who face dangerous criminals every day to keep our communities safe. The recently passed Senate bills need to be more narrowly targeted to benefit our corrections officers. As written, they would create an unnecessary burden on the Michigan State Police retirement fund. We need to take measured and responsible action to provide better retirement benefits for corrections officers, protect the integrity of the state police retirement fund and bring relief to the crisis in our prisons.”
“Far too many recruits leave within their first year, and it shouldn’t be a surprise,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “They aren’t paid enough for the dangerous conditions they work in, and their family lives are destroyed by a work-life balance that doesn’t exist. I’m urging quick action on these bills because it’s clear that the department has failed to address this problem on their own. The Senate’s bills are flawed, but we have the opportunity to take decisive action that will help boost hiring, reduce turnover and end the incredibly burdensome Rule 32 overtime policies.”
“These bills can deliver a plan that ensures hardworking corrections officers get the retirement benefits they undoubtedly deserve,” said Bohnak, R-Deerton. “Since day one, I’ve committed myself to seeing corrections officers finally get the retirement benefits they need. It’s time for Lansing to set politics aside and reach a compromise that benefits the brave men and women who keep our communities safe. Corrections officers are counting on us, but they’re losing faith that anything will ever change. It’s time we show some courage.”
