Whitmer rejects corrections funding to address staffing shortages, improve work conditions, update electronic tethers

State Rep. Thomas Albert today said he is both alarmed and confused about the governor’s decision to use her line item veto power on portions of the corrections budget, which contained critical funding for the operation of Michigan’s prison system and resources to help corrections workers.

“Governor Whitmer’s actions put the safety of our communities at risk and cut critical support for law enforcement officers,” said Albert, of Lowell. “We sent her a corrections budget that was balanced and kept the public safe. She created massive budget shortfalls by striking funding for training new corrections officers, support for law enforcement PTSD and suicide prevention, and much-needed appropriations to our local county jails.”

The governor also vetoed funding for 7,000 new GPS tracking tethers for probation and parolees. The department currently utilizes devices that connect to Verizon’s 3G network, which will be deactivated by Dec. 31, 2019. Without this funding it is unclear how former inmates and probationers will be tracked going forward.

Rep. Albert expressed disappointment the governor did not support funding for PTSD programing for law enforcement.

“It is extremely stressful to work in a prison, and we see that reflected in a recent study that shows high rates of PTSD among corrections workers. This funding is needed to look after the mental wellness of the people who spend their days managing the most dangerous segment of our society.”

Albert said the governor’s veto also delays funding to address prison staffing shortages.

“Because our prisons must always be fully staffed to protect the public and the people who work there, staffing shortages result in mandatory overtime – which is tough on employees and their families, as well as taxpayers,” Albert said. “We have seen critical staffing shortages for years and we set aside money to train new officers – but the governor rejected our plan to improve staffing levels.”

Other items vetoed in the corrections budget include:

• $750,000 for demolition of the former Deerfield Correctional Facility in Ionia.
• $200,000 for firearms training and a directive that any officer who would like to be requalified for use of a handgun will be able to do so. This will generate a greater pool of officers with weapons permits for transporting prisoners and help reduce mandatory overtime.

“The Legislature put together a responsible budget that reduces taxpayer dollars spent on prisons while making investments to improve work conditions for corrections officers,” Albert said. “If the governor had concerns, she should have addressed them with us directly rather than abandoning her responsibility and walking away from budget negotiations. I urge her to stop playing political games and start thinking about keeping our communities safe and supporting law enforcement.”

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