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GOP offers plan that addresses issues across the system; provides bigger raise than Evers
Madison- Earlier today, Republicans on the Joint Committee on Finance introduced and approved a plan that will provide pay increases for corrections security staff in Wisconsin. The proposal is part of a comprehensive plan that will get corrections officers up to $19 per hour.
“Today’s vote was a huge investment,” said Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam), lead author of the proposal. “At a time when we are facing significant issues surrounding staffing at our correctional institutions, these pay raises are absolutely critical.”
The Republican proposal would start on January 1, 2020 and apply to all corrections officers across state institutions. Governor Evers’ included a provision in his budget that did not go as far and would not start until halfway through next year.
“We know that starting pay for corrections officers has been a hot topic for quite a while now,” said Born. “I’m glad that the Republicans on the committee recognized the need for these increases and prioritized the funding to make it happen.”
The proposal passed out of the Joint Committee on Finance on a party line vote, 11-4. Included in the plan was funding to award Department of Corrections security employees for their long-term service to the agency. Both proposals coupled together are an effort to retain and recruit more prison staff.
