On September 15, lobbyist Harry Hill and I testified during a Corrections Appropriations hearing regarding correction officer’s turnover rate and the lack of pay increases for officers. Also discussed was the shortage of officers and the tremendous amounts of overtime that staff is expected to work. The testimony seemed to be well received by legislators. Representatives Paul Fitzwater from the Potosi area was very vocal supporting corrections officers stating, “It is time for the legislature to take action to fix this problem”. Overall it was a very positive hearing.

On September 16, Harry Hill and I had another good meeting with Senator Dan Brown. We discussed pay issues for corrections officers. Senator Brown is our sponsor for the Hazardous Duty legislation and plans to vigorously pursue pay increases for corrections officers during the next legislative session that begins in January of 2016.

More meetings are being scheduled with other legislators to promote our issues. As information becomes available it will be posted on our website.

Thanks for your support,

Gary Gross, Executive Director, MOCOA