Safety Concerns In Michigan Prisons Grow After Pension Bills Are Vetoed

Michigan Advance

July 23, 2026

Michigan correctional officers are calling Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent veto of two pension bills a major setback in efforts to address chronic staffing shortages.

The measures would have moved eligible officers into the State Police Retirement System and established a hybrid pension plan, which are benefits their union said could help recruit and retain officers.

Byron Osborn, president of the Michigan Corrections Organization, warned persistent vacancies and mandatory overtime are creating dangerous conditions inside Michigan prisons, including inmates being housed in facilities which do not match their security classifications.

“With the short staffing, we’ve still got this massive problem with the MDOC (Michigan Department of Corrections) not having enough high security facilities to house problematic and assaulted prisoners. So we’re still seeing a lot of assaults on staff, assaults on other prisoners,” Osborn said.

Whitmer argued the pension bills had been delayed too long to be put into effect as written, adding updated legislation would be considered. Osborn cautioned the union doubts new bills can advance before Whitmer leaves office.

Michigan uses security levels one through five, with five indicating maximum security. Osborn pointed out a bed shortage has left many level five prisoners at the level four St. Louis facility, where three housing units recently canceled all prisoner activities, creating frustrations among the inmates. It was the second shutdown in two weeks.

“We’re having facilities have to cancel prisoner recreation periods and day room time and phone time, which are just basic things that we’re required to give them, and they’re being canceled because of a lack of staff,” Osborn reported.

Osborn added the union will keep pressing lawmakers for solutions and may seek to revive the pension proposal.

“Unfortunately for us, it looks as if we’re going to have to wait until we have a new governor, whoever that may be,” Osborn acknowledged.

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