URGENT UPDATE: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has just announced a significant budget request of $374 million aimed at raising starting pay for correctional officers across the state. This announcement comes as the state grapples with severe staffing shortages in its correctional facilities.
During a press conference at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton, Florida, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins highlighted the urgent need for better compensation for correctional staff, proposing to increase base pay from $22 to $28 an hour. “When these challenges arise, we step up and solve a problem,” Collins stated, emphasizing the role of state leadership in addressing these critical issues.
The proposed budget also includes $25 million for the sixth year of DeSantis’ Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program, which offers signing bonuses of up to $5,000 for new law enforcement hires. Furthermore, nearly $56.7 million is earmarked to create 500 full-time security positions statewide, reflecting a comprehensive effort to enhance safety and staffing levels in Florida’s correctional facilities.
Collins’ appearance at the prison comes just two months after a damning report from the Southern Poverty Law Center highlighted alarming conditions at the Gulf Correctional Institution, where overcrowding and understaffing led to numerous complaints about excessive force and staff misconduct. “We cannot allow trained officers to leave for different agencies simply because of pay,” Collins warned.
This initiative is crucial not only for the welfare of correctional officers but also for the safety and security of the inmates they supervise. Collins emphasized the need for state support, stating, “We have to make sure that we support them, we fund them, we prepare them, but, more importantly, I want them to know that we have their back.”
The timing of Collins’ visit is politically strategic, occurring just weeks after he declared his candidacy for governor. Additionally, he announced the endorsement of Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson, which could bolster his campaign against competitors like Southwest Florida U.S. Representative Byron Donalds.
As Florida continues to face challenges in its correctional system, this budget proposal will be a key topic in upcoming discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders. The outcome of this funding request could significantly impact the state’s ability to retain and recruit correctional staff, ensuring safer environments for both officers and inmates.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Florida Legislature prepares to review DeSantis’ budget proposal.
