Michigan Corrections Organization Calls Out Constitutional Crisis
Calls on Michigan Lawmakers to Transmit Stalled Bills
Date: May 15, 2024
Contact: Leah Leszczynski, lleszczynski@miaflcio.org, 989.316.6044
LANSING, MI — Today, the Michigan Corrections Organization and allies gathered on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol to urge lawmakers to transmit House Bills 4665-4667, which improve correction officers’ retirement security, as well as several other pro-worker bills that have been stalled. These bills have been held hostage since January 8th despite a constitutional obligation to transmit them to the governor.
“There is a staffing crisis for corrections officers in Michigan — there is a 17 percent vacancy rate. At a time when officers have to choose between staying in the field and having a dignified retirement, Michigan lawmakers should be making it easier to fill these public safety jobs,” said Ray Sholtz, Executive Director of the Michigan Corrections Organization. “The refusal to transmit these bills that already passed the legislature is a slap in the face to corrections officers, a risk to public safety, and a failure to follow the Michigan Constitution.”
“These bills would be huge for recruitment and retention; it is only getting worse. We need this now,” said Dave Pasche, a member of the Michigan Corrections Organization with 24 years of service.
“You either care about corrections officers and public safety, or you don’t. You either care about upholding the Michigan Constitution, or you don’t. Michigan House leadership has shown that they do not value the work of Michigan’s corrections officers, nor do they respect Michigan’s Constitution,” said Ron BIEBER, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “We are calling for these bills to be sent to the governor immediately. Either way, Michigan’s labor movement will remember who was on our side come election season.”
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