Republican members of the New York Assembly expressed strong opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to close up to five state prisons, criticizing the plan as an insult to correctional staff. The proposal, part of the Governor’s 2024-25 state budget, suggests a 90-day notice period for expedited prison closures. This move comes amidst what leaders at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, describe as a critical “staffing crisis.”
GOP lawmakers have raised concerns that closing more prisons might exacerbate existing staffing issues rather than resolve them. Some say the ongoing loss of correction officers, indicates a deepening problem.
Despite a significant decrease in the state’s prison population over 25 years, opponents argue that staff workload, safety, and recruitment need more attention. Republican lawmakers advocate for better incentives, pay, and resources for correction officers, challenging the Hochul administration’s approach.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].