SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem approved immediate raises for correctional officers, from twenty dollars an hour to twenty-three dollars and as much as twenty eight dollars an hour.

That was to plug the growing number of vacancies.

Democratic Governor candidate Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls says it’s a first step.

Smith says all correction workers deserve higher pay.

Smith says the overall mission of the Department of Corrections needs a closer examination.

Corrections Department Secretary Kellie Wasko told a legislative committee last week that they had over one hundred thirty vacant jobs of the five hundred some corrections officers.