Statement From Senator Terry Gipson on Beacon Facility Closing and the Public Protection Budget Bill

For Immediate Release: March 25, 2013
Media Contact: Brian Keeler | 845.463.0840 | keeler@nysenate.gov

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR TERRY GIPSON ON BEACON FACILITY CLOSING
AND THE PUBLIC PROTECTION BUDGET BILL

"There are many things to applaud in the Governor's budget, but I am disappointed with the authorization to close the Beacon facility. That is the main reason I did not support the Public Protection Budget Bill. Keeping existing jobs and creating new economic opportunities in the region has always been at the top of my agenda. I will be working with the Governor's office to make sure the concerns of the families of the correctional officers as well as the inmates are heard and mitigated as much as possible.

"In light of the decision to close this facility, I will do all I can to ensure that the site itself continues to be a good neighbor in Beacon. When it comes to re-purposing the site, I am confident that we will be able to work with the Governor to keep the facility vibrant and the economic upswing in Beacon alive and well."

###