In a show of solidarity, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R,C-Manchester), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), and Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) joined correctional officers at Five Points Correctional Facility to protest the impact of the HALT Act. The legislators not only stood alongside officers in their fight for safer working conditions but also served hot dogs in a symbolic demonstration of support dubbed “Hot Dogs for Heroes.”
The HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement in New York state prisons, has been blamed by critics for a surge in violence within correctional facilities. Gallahan, who personally helped grill and distribute food to striking officers, emphasized the urgency of addressing their concerns.
“We must fully back our correctional officers as they fight for safe, sustainable working conditions,” Gallahan said. “That support means ensuring our frontline officers receive a hot meal—just like the ones provided by ‘Hot Dogs for Heroes.’”
Gallahan cited alarming statistics since the implementation of the HALT Act: a 169% increase in inmate-on-inmate assaults, a 76% rise in attacks on staff, and a 32% jump in contraband incidents. He called on Governor Kathy Hochul to suspend the legislation immediately.
Assemblyman Palmesano reinforced the need for policy changes, calling the current state of New York’s prisons “a dangerous powder keg environment” created by what he described as the governor’s failed policies.
“Pay and benefits for our COs need to be significantly increased, including recruitment and retention bonuses,” Palmesano said. “The HALT Act needs to be fully repealed. We must address the safety and quality of life of our COs that have been damaged by these dangerous policies.”
Sen. O’Mara echoed these sentiments, arguing that Albany leadership has focused on weakening disciplinary measures and releasing more inmates rather than addressing the rise in prison violence.
“New York state’s correctional system is in crisis,” O’Mara said. “Ongoing attacks and rising violence inside facilities should have already served as a stark reminder that steps are needed to better protect correctional officers, prison staff, inmates themselves, and the overall safety and security within the walls of our prisons. Instead, they have ignored it.”
The lawmakers were joined at the protest by staff members, including Sara Lattin, chief of staff for Sen. O’Mara. Together, they engaged with correctional officers to hear firsthand about the struggles they face daily.
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].