Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) said today that Joyce Mitchell, the Clinton Correctional Facility employee who helped violent murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat escape prison, being able to keep her public pension is a prime example as to why New York needs to pass A.4643. This legislation would have set into motion the process to strip public pensions from individuals like Mitchell and other felonious public officers, included elected officials; however, the Assembly Majority blocked the bill.

“Joyce Mitchell was hired and entrusted to help keep our communities safe working for the Clinton Correctional Facility. She completely violated the people’s trust as a public employee by helping two violent murderers escape prison,” said Blankenbush. “Hardworking taxpayers should not have to pay for her pension on top of the cost of the multi-million dollar manhunt for Matt and Sweat. Public pension forfeiture should be made law to protect New Yorkers.”

Assembly Bill No. 4643, a bill which was introduced in 2010, would set into motion the ability to strip away public pensions from elected officials and public employees who are convicted of felonies related to their duties. The bill was presented on the floor of the Assembly as an amendment, but 99 Assembly Majority Members voted against it. Blankenbush will urge passage of the bill during the next legislative session.