Michigan’s lawmakers representing the Upper Peninsula called on the Legislature to send bills to the governor that would allow Department of Corrections officers, conservation officers and others to join the Department of State Police pension system.
The four U.P. lawmakers, in statements, said the proposed legislation would be a first step in helping address the high turnover and shortage of corrections officers working in Michigan prisons, which they said are being overworked and underpaid.
“Better retirement security after years of demanding, high-risk service is a vital part of retaining the most experienced staff,” Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, said. “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.”
The bills, SB 1133, SB 1134 and SB 1135, were introduced in July and passed the Senate last week.
The bills are introductions of legislation that passed last session but were among the nine bills not presented to the governor prior to the end of that session, nor were they presented at the beginning of the current session. This led to a lawsuit between the Republican-controlled House and Democratic-controlled Senate last year.
A July Supreme Court ruling ordered the House to present the bills. The governor quickly vetoed them, citing concerns over implementation after sitting in limbo for so long.
Last week the Senate passed the three bills 27-8, but they are not expected to be taken up in the House given that House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said he would not be moving the bills unless a deal were made involving major GOP priorities pending action.
Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, said a compromise is needed to ensure the Department of State Police pension system is not harmed by the changes proposed in the bills.
“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,” Markkanen said.
Rep. David Prestin, R-Cedar River, agreed that a compromise is needed.
“I’m urging quick action on these bills because it’s clear that the department has failed to address this problem on its own,” Prestin said. “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.”
Rep. Karl Bohnak, R-Deerton, said the plan would provide corrections officers with deserved benefits.
“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,” Bohnak said. “Corrections officers are counting on us, but they’re losing faith that anything will ever change. It’s time we show some courage.”
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