UP Gazette

State Sen. Ed McBroom, alongside state Reps. Dave Prestin and Greg Markkanen, urged Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Director Heidi Washington to address staffing crises in Michigan prisons by listening to frontline officers. The lawmakers joined informational pickets organized by the corrections officers’ union at three Upper Peninsula prisons this week.

“Our corrections officers have been pleading for support from MDOC leadership and the governor for years. Unfortunately, those calls continue to fall on deaf ears,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “The officers we’re joining on the picket line haven’t been shy about what they need from the governor and Director Washington. They need help at work and the ability to have reasonably assured family and personal time outside of work. They need access to health care and benefits upon retirement—especially those that have injuries or mental health issues.”

McBroom criticized MDOC’s reliance on recruitment efforts through social media, billboards, and advertising as insufficient solutions to long-term problems. He also took issue with legislation introduced by State Representative Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, which would remove a 15-college credit requirement for prospective corrections officers.

“The department continues to believe the immediate and long-term problems can be solved with more recruitment,” McBroom stated. “They have been pushing social media, billboards, and advertising. Now, they got Rep. Hill to introduce a bill removing the requirement for 15 college credits! Not only does this de-professionalize our officers—a repeat of the food service worker disaster—but it does nothing to help the immediate crisis that is leading so many just hired officers to leave the job within a short time.”

Hill's proposal has received full support from MDOC leadership but faced criticism from U.P. Republicans who share frustrations voiced by corrections officers.

“Corrections officers have lost faith in their own department leadership," said Markkanen, R-Hancock. "Apparently, that failing leadership was the only input Rep. Hill sought before announcing her plan.” Markkanen emphasized that better pay and benefits are necessary solutions according to feedback from corrections officers.

During informational pickets, legislators heard concerns that removing educational requirements could lead criminals to infiltrate the prison system further complicating security issues.

“Removing the 15-credit requirement will not solve this crisis,” said Corrections Officers’ Union President Byron Osborn. “We need impactful legislation that will produce immediate results to address retention challenges we face... We look forward to engaging with legislators who understand that what we need is increased wages and the return of our pensions.”

U.P. Republicans have advocated for improved working conditions including reduced mandatory overtime, predictable schedules, enhanced post-employment benefits, and higher pay for state corrections officers.

“Corrections officers aren’t leaving their jobs because they’re mad about taking a few college credits ten years ago," added Prestin, R-Cedar River."They’re leaving because they don’t get paid enough."

Prestin highlighted his past experience addressing staffing shortages in Menominee County Jail as an example of how reallocated funds could increase pay effectively.