North Michigan News

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. John Damoose issued a statement urging his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to promptly pass legislation addressing critical issues within the Michigan Department of Corrections.

“We need to demand the Senate immediately take up and pass Senate Bills 165-167 to allow our corrections officers to participate in the state police pension fund. We do not need any lip service about the challenges faced by our corrections officers — we need action to actually address these challenges," Damoose stated.

He highlighted his observations from visits to Kinross Correctional Facility and discussions with prison employees, noting their frustration and demoralization. “Since my first visit to the Kinross Correctional Facility, the numerous meetings there since, and in talks with dozens of prison employees, I have never seen a more frustrated and demoralized workforce — and they are rightfully angry."

Damoose pointed out that inadequate pay and benefits hinder prisons from hiring or retaining enough officers, leading to forced overtime under stressful conditions. “The problem is simple: Without additional pay and benefits, our prisons are not able to hire or retain enough officers. That means forced overtime for those who do actually work — which usually occurs without notice and in a terribly difficult and stressful work environment. We cannot keep pushing and pushing these workers and then expect a positive outcome. This needs to be addressed right now."

He emphasized that access to the state police pension fund is crucial for resolving these issues. “Everyone I have spoken with has told me that giving access to the state police pension fund is a big part of the solution. I’ve been working with Sen. John Cherry, who sponsored one of the bills, to get this legislation moving."

Damoose called on other politicians to act rather than merely express concern for corrections officers. “There are a lot of politicians saying they are concerned for our corrections officers, but it’s up to all of us to make sure they don’t get away with just talk — that they’ll actually do what it takes to fix the problem. Please join me in calling for the Senate leadership to bring Senate Bills 165-167 up for a vote as soon as possible."

He concluded by expressing his readiness to support the bills immediately. “I’m ready to immediately get back to work and vote YES on these important bills.”