State ups security pay for two agencies

Gov. Tony Evers announced additional pay for correctional officers, correctional sergeants, psychiatric care technicians, youth counselors, and related supervisors to address security staffing needs within 24/7 institutions staffed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The $3-per-hour add-on took effect on March 13 for all eligible employees in pay status, impacting more than 5,000 personnel across both agencies. Historically, high vacancy rates at several state institutions have resulted in the need for extra incentives to retain and attract additional staff to work at those facilities. The security pay increase will be agency-funded to the extent possible, with the added use of American Rescue Plan Act funds.