LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Ed McBroom and State Sen. Sylvia Santana on Thursday introduced legislation to give new retirement options for state corrections officers.
“This reform would allow Michigan corrections officers to join a retirement plan similar to other statewide officers, like state police troopers,” said McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “I have been contacted by several people in the Upper Peninsula about this issue. At a time when our state is struggling to hire enough people to keep our prisons safe, this bipartisan legislation could help improve safety by boosting the recruitment and retainment of good corrections officers.”
Senate Bills 156 and 157 would allow Department of Corrections officers to join a retirement plan similar to one offered to Michigan State Police troopers, in which 50% of the plan is a pension and 50% is a 401(k)-type defined contribution.
“For so long we disinvested in retirements of our workforce, this is a chance to reinstate a true benefit to a workforce that is often overlooked and overworked, but these bills are a move to show that they are appreciated and valued,” said Santana, D-Detroit.
The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Labor for consideration.
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