DEER LODGE, Mont. — Wages are increasing for correctional officers at the Montana State Prison.

Gov. Greg Gianforte made an appearance in Deer Lodge to sign House Bill 3 into law on Wednesday.

The measure raised pay for correctional officers by $2 per hour at the state prison and $3 per hour at the women's prison and Pine Hills Correctional Facility.

The following was released from the governor's office:

As legislators consider Governor Greg Gianforte’s proposed $200 million investment to repair the Montana State Prison (MSP), the governor today visited MSP and signed HB 3 into law, raising correctional officer pay.

The governor also held a roundtable discussion with Department of Corrections (DOC) leadership, MSP wardens, and MSP correctional officers to discuss what they need, including the state investing to repair the facility.

“I’ve heard loud and clear that repairing the state prison and increasing correctional officer wages are priorities,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our budget invests nearly $200 million to repair the state prison, expand capacity, and make the prison, and our communities, safer. We’re also investing in the hardworking employees who serve in our correctional facilities."

Joined by DOC Director Brian Gootkin, MSP Warden Jim Salmonsen, and correctional officers, Gov. Gianforte led a roundtable discussion on challenges facing MSP employees and the prison, the condition of which has been neglected for more than a decade.

“After decades of previous...

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