Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) is leading a resolution in support of New York corrections officers striking for safer working conditions, citing rising violence and staffing shortages in state prisons.
Tenney introduced the resolution alongside the entire New York Republican delegation, including Representatives Nick LaLota (NY-1), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). The lawmakers argue that corrections officers are facing increasingly dangerous conditions due to policy changes, particularly the 2022 HALT Act, which significantly restricted the use of solitary confinement as a disciplinary measure.
Since the law took effect, attacks on correctional staff have reportedly risen by 85% compared to 2019. The workforce has also declined, with the number of corrections officers dropping from 16,305 in 2022 to 13,886 in 2025. Earlier this year, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision attempted to cut 30% of correctional officer positions, further straining prison safety.
“Corrections officers across the state have had enough of the unsafe working conditions imposed on them by Albany Democrats’ pro-criminal policies, like the HALT Act,” Tenney said in a statement. She criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s handling of the crisis, saying, “Enough is enough,” and pledged to continue advocating for officers’ safety.
The resolution aims to bring national attention to the officers’ demands and pressure state leaders to address safety concerns in correctional facilities.
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