“When Governor Hochul unveiled her FY 2025 Executive Budget, I expressed my strong opposition to her proposal to close four correctional facilities in New York State with only 90 days' notice. I was very disappointed that this harmful provision was included in the New York State Budget and voted against it.

“On Thursday, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced the closure of two correctional facilities. While these facilities are not in the Mohawk Valley, I am firmly against closing any correctional facility without input from our officers that work in these facilities everyday.When these facilities close, the inmates will be transferred to existing facilities, creating even more unsafe working conditions for the brave men and women who protect us every day.

"It is an insult to our correctional officers only to give them a 90-day notice that they will be losing their jobs and need to relocate their families. I call on Commissioner Martuscello to ensure that all the correction officers who will be losing their jobs can seamlessly find new employment and that our correctional officers are protected by the influx of new inmates in our existing facilities. I also call on the Commissioner not to close any more correctional facilities in New York.

"During this challenging time, I would like to express my gratitude to the hard-working men and women of NYSCOPBA. Each day, they put their lives on the line and are exposed to dangerous conditions and individuals. As a state, we are morally obligated to protect and treat them with the utmost respect.I am the sponsor of legislation that passed the Assembly and awaits the Governor’s signage that provides each employee with an awareness of a FOIL request, for the safety of our officers.I also was a proud to co-sponsor legislation that passed the Assembly that will implement a collective bargaining agreement for NYSCOPBA.

“In the New York State Assembly, I will continue to be a strong voice and advocate for our brave correction officers.”