SooLeader Asks Brendan Ryan For Comment On MDOC Proposed Changes

Journalists from SooLeader, a publication covering stories related to Michigan’s 107th district, recently asked Brendan Ryan for comment on Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) proposed changes. Mr. Ryan provided a three-paragraph statement, which is included in full below. Mr. Ryan appreciates the opportunity to comment on this important topic.

“I would like to commend the MDOC on seeking to address a problem that has the potential to escalate to a catastrophic situation. This measure, however, is still too little compared to the scope of the problem. The core issue is that there are simply too few officers. Despite efforts to fill the vacancies, compensation packages are not competitive enough to attract qualified candidates.

Job creation and job preservation in Northern Michigan are a top priority for my campaign, and Michigan’s corrections system is one of the largest employers in the area. The work corrections officers do is of great benefit to our society. Many people in Northern Michigan are unaware of the sacrifices these officers and their families make. Imagine being forced to miss a child’s birthday party because you were told you cannot leave work. These officers are being mandated to work overtime, in dangerous conditions, and their only options are to comply or seek employment elsewhere.

Michigan’s legislature is well aware of this problem and has already taken up the topic, passing legislation that is yet to be signed into law to improve compensation for current and future officers. This is why I call on Speaker Matt Hall today to send the already-passed legislation to Governor Whitmer’s desk so these families can begin to get the relief they are due.”

You can see the SooLeader published statement here.