Dear Editor:

Michigan’s corrections officers put their lives on the line every day, keeping dangerous criminals locked up and our communities safe. And every year, corrections officers are also the first to make sacrifices to help Michigan balance our budget, through prison closures, pay cuts and even layoffs. Now, as Michigan struggles once again to balance the budget, we see Lansing politicians take the easy way out and take the budget ax to state workers such as corrections officers. As a retired officer, I know how hard these officers work and how they put their lives at risk every day. My fellow officers and I contribute to our community and the local economy in Gratiot County. I have also seen my fellow colleagues get hurt in the line of duty. As thanks, Lansing politicians want these hardworking officers to make even more sacrifices. That’s simply unfair. We protect local families and cutting corrections officers only puts our communities at risk. It’s time our elected leaders in Lansing step up to the plate, share in the sacrifices and cut their own lavish salaries, and stop attacking corrections officers.

John Wiggins
St. Louis