Former officers with the Department of Corrections could return to Michigan’s prisons, while not jeopardizing the security of their retirement allowances, under legislation which came before the House Appropriations Committee Track on Wednesday.
While the panel did take up two bills, the focus of the hearing was to predominantly speak with Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer Jr. on the potential approval of $666.1 million, which would go toward the establishment of two General Motors plants (see separate story).
Sponsored by Rep. Julie Alexander (R-Hanover), HB 5765 Track would allow retired corrections officers to work as needed under certain circumstances without losing their retirement allowance. These individuals would be re-employed by the state at MDOC on a limited-term basis with no benefits paid to provide for the custody of prisoners.
To be eligible, the person would have had to retired before January 1, 2022, and after a bona fide termination of employment.
“We are in a critical position right now in our prisons,” Ms. Alexander said. “(The bill) simply allows a retired officer to return and we have a two-year sunset by this legislation without it negatively impacting their retirement benefits.”
The Department of Corrections was in support of the legislation.
There were some concerns from lawmakers that returning officers could prove to be not strong enough to handle prisoners, or that their returning to the field would shake up seniority, though Ms. Alexander seemed confident that MDOC officials would work that out on their own.
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How about give the ones still working a reason to stay. Rather than give retirees a reason to come back ? Dead end job with no reward anymore. No reason to work 20 years as a MDOC officer anymore. It’s sad
They need to bring back pension! I worked as an officer for 28+ yrs. If it wasn’t for my retirement I would’ve left way before 10yrs were up!
401k just don’t get it! You can’t touch it till you’re 59 1/2yrs old and then tax it 24.5 %.
I’m 56yrs old.
There is no respect from prisoners, co-workers, supervisors, and administration!
They took any type of food healthcare insurance
$800 deductible, $4000 out of pocket expense, and rising copays for appointments and prescriptions.
Why stay?
when I hired in, all that was required was a high school diploma. I worked with ww2 vets and Korean War vets and Vietnam vets. reduce the education qualifications for the job back to high school diploma.
You do NOT need any college to hire into the MDOC. You need a high school diploma or GED. You then have 2 years, AFTER being hired, to obtain the 15 college credits needed for the job.
Get rid of that POS Director would be a good start for improving things.
Bring back a pension
Did my 25 years and Retired. Look at the Real problem, The Director and Administration writing people up, dividing the employees, no incentive to stay around(401k, medical accounts for future medical when Retired). The plan Engler and Lawmakers made in 1997 by changing the Pension hasn’t saved money cause every dime they saved wasn’t used to pay anything off or invest. They closed more prisons, haven’t supported their officers, and support Convicts more than the Victims of Crime. They like many Administrators blame the workers or Unions for the problem of their decisions versus taking responsibility
I was thinking the same thing. If they can pay someone who already retired more money why not bring back some type of pension.
I can’t think of a single reason for a retiree to do this. They all retired for a reason, and for the most part it had to do with how bad the department treats employees today. There are way too many opportunities available for anyone needing a few extra bucks to go back.
That sounds ridiculous! I agree that pensions for new officers and currently employed officers should be enacted as well as Healthcare futures for them as well.
Get some staffing who will see a future in corrections. Give staff an incentive to work the thankless job that it is!
The department has fallen into a deep dark hole and offers NOTHING for new employees. GIVE A LITTLE AND GET A LOT!
Retired in 2013 at 51, recently went back into the work force full time as a welder fitter. I enjoy and look forward to going to work, unlike working in the prison, I would of never stayed if we didn’t have a pension to look forward to. The only way I would come back is if all shit cut loose and my fellow Officers needed help. Other then that, not a chance
I left to work for bop and I love it. Better managed and has a retirement and a 401k.
MDOC is the most corrupt branch for any state employee to work for. They spend more time investigating good hard working employees than thanking them and paying them for the tireless job that they contribute to the community. Get rid of that Director, and make officer safety and security a priority. Stop coddling prisoners like they are harmless children. They are in prison for a reason! Safety and security are a top priority. Return the retirement system and make it retroactive so the officers WANT to stay. They pay more at McDonald’s than what MDOC starts at. Get it together!
I just handed in my notice after 5 years i had all i can take.
Can healthcare return if receiving a pension ?