Senate Passes Shink Resolution Declaring May 5-12 as Correctional Officers Week in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. (May 9, 2024) – Today, the Senate passed Senate Resolution 118 declaring May 5-12, 2024, Correctional Officers Week in Michigan. The resolution is sponsored by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) and had bipartisan support in the Senate.
“Michigan’s corrections officers are integral to the state’s prisons and correctional institutions, providing invaluable service. Their dedication and hard work ensure the smooth functioning of these facilities;’ said Sen. Shink “Across all 31 corrections facilities in Michigan – including those in my district – these officers play a vital role in enriching our communities by safeguarding them and fostering a safe environment for justice-involved individuals. I’m grateful to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for acknowledging the essential contribution of our corrections officers in protecting the people of Michigan.”
The State of Michigan employs over 5,000 Corrections Officers and Forensic Security Assistants. In recent times, the Michigan Department of Corrections has struggled with staffing and retention issues – with around 1,000 currently open positions unable to be filled.
To aid the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) in addressing its staffing challenges and ensuring that Michigan’s corrections officers receive the deserved support and benefits, Sen. Shink has included funding in the proposed 2025 MDOC budget aimed at enhancing working conditions for these officers. The proposed budget, outlined in Senate Bill 756, not only seeks to bolster working environments but also aims to fund ongoing pension costs, fostering better retention and attraction strategies. The budget passed the full Senate on May 9, 2024, and now heads to the Michigan house of Representatives.
Sen. Shink and her legislative counterparts remain committed to advocating and supporting Michigan’s Corrections Officer this week, and every week of the year.
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No. 44
STATE OF MICHIGAN
102nd Legislature
REGULAR SESSION OF 2024
Senators Shink, McBroom, Wojno, Irwin, Cherry, Santana and Chang offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 118.
A resolution to recognize May 5-12, 2024, as Correctional Officers Week.
Whereas, The safety and well-being of every Michigander is of the utmost importance, and the correctional officers who work in our correctional facilities dedicate themselves to this critical task each and every day; and
Whereas, In an environment that may become intimidating, aggressive, or even hostile, correctional officers are skilled professionals that are trained to maintain composure while preserving safety and property, and restraining persons that may be dangerous to themselves or others; and
Whereas, These honorable men and women are hard-working and committed public servants, and without their expertise and service, Michigan’s correctional facilities would be unable to operate as successfully and efficiently as they do today; and
Whereas, During this week, we join with the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan Corrections Organization to recognize every correctional officer that serves in Michigan. We thank them for the essential role they play in helping to protect the people of Michigan; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 5-12, 2024, as Correctional Officers Week.
The question being on the adoption of the resolution,
The resolution was adopted.
Senators Lauwers and McMorrow were named co-sponsors of the resolution.
Senator Shink asked and was granted unanimous consent to make a statement and moved that the statement be printed in the Journal.
The motion prevailed.
Senator Shink’s statement is as follows:
Mr. President, I rise today to speak to this bipartisan resolution to recognize May 5-12, 2024, as Correctional Officers Week in Michigan. More than 6,000 corrections officers serve in Michigan’s prison and corrections institutions, providing invaluable service to the state of Michigan. These honorable men and women are hardworking and committed public servants, and without their expertise and service Michigan’s correctional facilities would not function. Throughout the 31 correctional facilities in the state, including in my own district, corrections officers play a pivotal role in enriching their communities. These men and women help protect our communities, while also maintaining a safe and constructive environment for justice-involved residents.
During this week, we join the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan Corrections Organization to recognize each correctional officer who serves in Michigan. We thank them for the essential role they play in helping to protect the people of Michigan, not just during this week but throughout the year. I hope we continue to extend our support and gratitude for corrections officers by shaping our budget and policy decisions in ways that make their workplaces and job satisfaction better. I appreciate my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, for co-sponsoring this resolution and I hope that all members of this body will join me in supporting this important recognition today.