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| Florida prison officers, probation officers promised raises |
| By Tallahassee Democrat |
| Published: 03/15/2004 |
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Republican legislative leaders and Big Bend lawmakers promised prison officers and probation officers last Monday that the 2004 Legislature will come through with pay raises and increase staffing levels in Florida prisons. Gov. Jeb Bush, who missed a morning rally of about 2,000 Police Benevolent Association members in the Capitol courtyard, said later in the day that he hopes last week's revised revenue estimate will allow lawmakers to spend more money in the prisons. He was noncommittal on the PBA's two biggest goals - a 3-percent across-the-board raise and a 5-percent "retention" pay bump for correctional officers and probation workers after five years on the job. "Every day when you go to work, you put your life on the line," Senate President Jim King, R-Jacksonville, shouted into a chilly wind on the steps of the Old Capitol. "It's a known thing up here that we do not pay you enough." In addition to salary and pension improvements, King said, legislators want to increase travel and meal allowances for the officers - who often have to guard inmates being transferred between prisons or making court appearances. Department of Corrections Secretary James Crosby said Bush has put up $15 million to improve staffing in prisons and has funded a $75 monthly supplement for automobile insurance, because officers and probation officers often use their own vehicles on the job. Crosby, a career Department of Corrections officer, told the whistling and applauding officers, "We really do appreciate what you do for us every day." House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, encouraged the uniformed officers to call on House and Senate members from their home districts, to lobby for budget improvements. |
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