Senator Nozzolio Conducts Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Public Protection

Senator Michael Nozzolio, Chairman of Public Protection Budget Subcommittee, as well as Chairman of Senate Codes Committee, focused on a joint legislative hearing on Thursday to provide a thorough review of issues that affect the safety of law enforcement, first responders, and the public in New York State. The hearing was convened at the State Capital by the State Senate and Assembly to address andreview all aspects of the criminal justice budget as well as budgets for correctional services, military and naval affairs, the state police, the judiciary and homeland security.

“This hearing was an important step toward creating new initiatives and legislation to strengthen our criminal justice laws and establish additional protections to keep our first responders, police, fire and emergency providers, safe from harm,” said Senator Nozzolio. “As Chairman of the New York State Public Protection Budget Subcommittee and Senate Codes Committee, I look forward to continuing the effort we have started to develop genuine, lasting solutions to eliminate violent crime in our communities and ensure the safety of our first responders.”

Testifying in the hearing were New York State Office of Court Administration Chief Administrative Judge Honorable Lawrence K. Marks; New York State Division of Homeland Security Executive Deputy Commissioner John P. Melville; New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Executive Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Green; and Anthony Annucci, Acting Commissioner, New York State Department of  Corrections & Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS), as well as many others.

“It is crucial that we provide our parole officers with adequate funding. When they don't receive the proper funds or staffing, people die and public safety is greatly at risk,” said Senator Nozzolio. 

The hearing provided a comprehensive examination of New York’s criminal justice system, including:

• Cyber security;
• Parole and Corrections;
• Homeland Security Operations;
• Safety concerns at New York Correctional Facilities;
• The safety of police officers and other first responders; and
•  Indigent legal services.  

These joint hearings will continue through February 9^th in preparation for the passage of the New York State Budget.