March 18, 2025
LANSING, MI - The Governor’s recommended budget makes key investments across the Michigan Department of Corrections to increase officer pay, support offender success reentry programs, and improve departmental operations.
The FY26 Executive Budget Recommendation invests $32.4 million in targeted pay increases for corrections officers. This includes a wage scale restructure which compresses officer pay steps starting on October 1, 2024, making step increases quicker to obtain. The budget would also see pay for officers who have worked more than 54 months increase to over $73,000 annually.
“The compressed pay scale and top pay in this budget not only increase the quality of life and financial stability of our officers; it also shows them that we recognize and value the difficult job they do,” said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. “Pay increases, along with our efforts to improve workspaces, support wellness, and improve technology are all effective measures we have taken to recruit and retain officers, boost morale, and improve our department culture.”
To streamline departmental operations, the FY26 budget invests $3.4 million to automate processes used for prisoner counts and assignments. This will modernize operations from a paper-based tracking system and improve efficiency within prisons, allowing corrections officers to better perform their jobs while increasing safety.
The executive budget invests over $10 million to help reduce recidivism through targeted support of various reentry programs that increase public safety. Recovery coaches, who provide resources to returning community members with a history of substance abuse, are supported with $6.6 million. A $2 million investment will support the development of transitional housing projects ensuring returning citizens have stable housing upon release, and $1.5 million is appropriated to expand other community supports for probationers such as transportation assistance, job placement services, and behavioral health care.
“The Michigan Department of Corrections remains committed to using evidence-based correctional practices such as the impactful reentry initiatives funded in this budget,” said Kyle Kaminski MDOC Offender Success Administrator. “This focus has continued to place Michigan at the forefront of the national conversation on reentry supports that are proven to reduce recidivism.”
The Department of Corrections maintains public safety through the secure operation of 26 state correctional facilities and the community supervision of individuals on parole and probation. To ensure long-term public safety, the department provides a range of evidence-based rehabilitative, vocational, and educational programs and other community supports aimed at increasing the personal success of those in prison, supporting their reentry as returning citizens, and reducing their risk of re-offense.
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