Statement from Senator Patty Ritchie

State Senator Patty Ritchie is issuing the following statement regarding the Governor’s veto of Senate bill S.4077-A, a measure she sponsors that would guarantee full retirement benefits for surviving family members of a correctional officer who dies while still serving as a member of the New York State Department of Corrections:

As the sponsor of the bill, the daughter of a retired correctional officer, the New York State Senator representing 5 correctional facilities, and a strong supporter of the hardworking correctional officers all across the state, I am extremely disappointed in the Governor’s decision to veto this legislation.

The veto of this bill sends a message to our brave men and women who walk one of the most dangerous beats in New York State, that their willingness to put their lives on the line—that extreme sacrifice—is not as valued as it should be.

Recently as part of my advocacy for the bill, I have had conversations with the Governor’s staff, including his chief counsel, who provided me assurances that this issue will be addressed as part of ongoing contract negotiations with NYSCOPBA. The two parties are scheduled to meet soon, at which the time the Governor’s office has agreed to advance this issue and reach an agreement. I take them at their word.

I feel strongly about this issue and again while I disagree with the veto, if the legislation fosters an agreement that provides correctional officers and their families with these important protections, that is what is important. Working under constant threat and with inmate assaults on the rise, it is critical that these safeguards are in place in order to protect the officers and their families.

As we move forward, I will continue to monitor developments closely. This is an issue that cannot be left open-ended and I will work tirelessly for the desired result.