Prison secretary gives guards $10 million in raises

MADISON — The head of Wisconsin's prisons plans to hand out millions of dollars in raises in hopes of boosting recruiting and retention.

Department of Corrections Secretary Jon Litscher announced Thursday, May 5th that beginning June 26th, correctional officers, sergeants and youth counselors will receive 80 cents more an hour.

Correctional officers and sergeants at maximum security prisons in Waupun, Green Bay and Portage as well as counselors at the state's youth prison in Irma will get an additional 50 cents an hour from May 29th through Jan. 7th.

Employees who won't receive a raise will be eligible for bonuses.

Corrections officials say the raises are expected to cost about $10 million annually, which will be covered with existing funds. The DOC has budgeted $1.1 million for bonuses in fiscal year 2016.

CLICK HERE for a statement from the DOC.