Statement From Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan

Recently, Governor Cuomo’s parole board set brutal three-time cop killer Herman Bell free, despite the loud pleas of the families of his victims and law enforcement officials all across this state.  The Governor says he disagrees with the decision but he hasn’t lifted a finger to do anything about it.

Media reports also revealed that a member of the Governor’s parole board fell in love and married a convicted killer while he was still in prison serving time.

And, acting unilaterally, the Governor signed an Executive Order restoring voting rights to 36,000 felons out on parole - - including rapists and murderers who have not even completed their sentences.

The only conclusion one can reach from these irresponsible and dangerous actions is that New York’s parole system under Governor Cuomo is broken.

To address this pressing need for change, the Senate will take up a series of parole reform measures today that give victims’ families and law enforcement a voice every step of the way, and ensure convicted criminals serve sentences which more accurately reflect the serious nature of their crimes.

Meanwhile, the state Senate under my leadership will reject any Parole Board nominees put forward by Governor Cuomo who share his vision of putting the rights of violent convicted criminals ahead of the rights of law-abiding citizens.  The safety and security of the people of New York must come first.