LANSING, Mich. (April 28, 2025) — Last week, Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.) led the successful passage of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections and Judiciary’s budget recommendations for the Dept. of Corrections (MDOC) and the Michigan court system, underscoring her commitment to both fiscal responsibility and community safety.
“These budgets are about people — keeping our communities safe, supporting our corrections officers, and helping individuals rehabilitate and reintegrate,” said Sen. Shink, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections and Judiciary. We’re making meaningful investments to retain, recruit, and support the men and women who do the hard, essential work of keeping our correctional facilities safe and secure. And for our court system, it’s about creating efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for every Michigander.”
Strengthening Corrections and Public Safety
The MDOC budget recommendation emphasizes critical investments in improving safety, staff retention, and reentry services for incarcerated people. By supporting those who work in and are incarcerated in Michigan’s correctional facilities, Senate Democrats are making targeted, cost-effective improvements that reduce recidivism and protect communities.
Major investments include:
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Increased Funding for Corrections Officer Pensions – Strengthening financial stability and supporting recruitment and retention efforts in lieu of legislation continuing to be held unconstitutionally by House Republicans.
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Support for Facility Cell Block Railing Safety Improvements – Addressing safety concerns in prison housing units by replacing and repairing outdated railings.
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Expanding Postsecondary Education and Certification Opportunities – Equipping incarcerated women at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility with the skills and credentials needed to successfully reintegrate into their communities and build stable, productive futures in partnership with Eastern Michigan University.
“We are glad to see that Senator Shink and her committee are prioritizing our staffing crisis as part of their budget,” said Ray Scholtz, executive director of the Michigan Corrections Organization. “Thank you for not just highlighting our struggles but continuing to pay attention to the previously passed legislation that hangs unjustly in the court system.”
Making Michigan’s Courts Work for Everyone
The Judiciary budget builds on a multi-year effort to make Michigan’s courts more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly for everyday residents.
Major investments include:
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Investments to Expand the Statewide Case Management System – Enhancing court efficiency with a centralized data system, while improving the court-user experience for residents through expanded use of online court services.
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Funding to the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic – Supporting the vital work of addressing and overturning wrongful convictions.
As budget negotiations continue, Sen. Shink will continue to advocate alongside her Democratic colleagues for a bold, balanced state budget that reflects Michigan’s values and prioritizes people and community-driven solutions.
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