Before the state removed the pension plan for correctional officers, Fischer says she likely wouldn’t have lasted five years without the pension to motivate her to stay in the job.
Now, new hires at the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) are offered a 401(k) instead of a pension. However, reinstating the pension is being considered as a potential solution to staffing shortages at MDOC.
The MDOC reports that more than 16% of positions are vacant statewide, with the Cotton Correctional Facility in Jackson County experiencing over one-third of its positions unfilled.
A bill passed by the state Senate proposes bringing back the pension for correctional officers statewide.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to believes that offering access to the state police pension fund is key to addressing hiring and retention challenges and would significantly boost morale for Michigan’s correctional workers,” said State Senator Damoose.
However, some lawmakers argue that adding employees to the pension system could strain the state’s finances.
“In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the state spent about $229 million on legacy costs related to the corrections budget. This pension plan was closed 27 years ago, and we need to fully understand these costs to make informed decisions moving forward,” said State Senator Albert.
The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that reinstating the pension would cost an additional $18 million annually, with the pension’s future funding depending on factors like stock market performance.
Fischer’s message to lawmakers: “Give those people something to hang onto, something to look forward to.”