State Reps. Dave Prestin and Greg Markkanen on Thursday joined with State Sen. Ed McBroom to announce they would be participating in upcoming informational pickets to support the Michigan Corrections Officers Union. The meetings are scheduled for next week at three prisons across the Upper Peninsula.

Officials within the corrections union said they feel driven to hold the informational pickets due to the failure of Michigan Department of Corrections leadership to solve staffing shortages and a lack of response to the crisis from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Prestin, R-Cedar River, plans to attend the first event on Monday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chippewa Correctional Facility, 4269 M-80 in Kincheloe.

Markkanen, R-Hancock, plans to attend the second event on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Baraga Correctional Facility, 13924 Wadaga Rd in Baraga.

McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, plans to attend the final event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Marquette Branch Prison, 1960 US-41 in Marquette.

Earlier this month, Prestin and Markkanen joined McBroom in calling on MDOC Director Heidi Washington to address the critical staff shortages within Michigan prisons. The shortages have led to several crises, including unrest at the Baraga prison that led to facility damage and assaults on corrections officers.

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