Griffo, Senate Republicans call for the nationalization of National Guard members in New York’s prisons

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and members of the Senate Republican Conference announced today that they have sent a letter to President Donald Trump and General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, requesting federal activation under Title 10 of the New York State National Guard troops who have been deployed to maintain order in correctional facilities.

Doing so would guarantee the Guard members called to serve in New York prisons will be protected with the same benefits and legal protections as active military members and ensure comprehensive health coverage, including receiving a disability rating to authorize continuing care through the VA. Currently, they are serving under state orders and are not eligible for certain federal benefits. 

“We respectfully request you as Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard, federally activate the National Guard members currently serving in the State’s correctional facilities, under Title 10 of the United States Code,” the letter reads, in part. “In activating the National Guard under Title 10, the Guard personnel will be entitled to the same pay, benefits and legal protections as active military members. The benefits under Title 10 include comprehensive healthcare coverage, which we believe is imperative given the dire conditions many of the National Guard are currently serving in." Correction officers began striking at dozens of prisons across the state the week of February 17th. Governor Kathy Hochul subsequently deployed more than 6,500 New York Guard members into the prisons to help maintain order for an indefinite period of time. Reports indicate the Guard members are working in unsafe, unsanitary conditions. 

A full copy of the letter is attached. 

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