A group of current and retired corrections officers are planning to lobby state lawmakers during the current legislative session for a pay raise.
The Paducah Sun reports officers from the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville and the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia met last week to discuss the campaign, which will include letters and phone calls.
Larry Bland, who is president of the Lake Barkley Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, said the effort is necessary to retain staff and ensure the workforce is highly trained and competent.
He says Kentucky ranks 49th in the nation in median hourly wages for correctional officers.