STATEMENT FROM SENATOR WALCZYK

State Senator Mark Walczyk issued the following statement after Governor Kathy Hochul's outrageous decision to terminate thousands of correctional officers (COs) across New York State:

 

 "Governor Hochul has once again demonstrated she's unfit. Her decision to fire CO's and cancel health insurance for their kids is a betrayal of employees who wear the state flag on their uniform and do a dangerous job to keep the rest of us safe. We're already short-staffed and this stupid move undermines the entire system and destroys morale of the remaining staff who are left to shoulder the burden of her misguided policies.

 

Hochul's still done nothing to stop the rampant inflow of drugs in our facilities. She's still refused to listen to the concerns of staff who rightly demand the use of special housing to separate violent reoffenders from the rest of the prison population.

 

The light at the end of the tunnel for protesters turned out to be a freight train and the consequences, I fear, will be disastrous for inmates, staff, and Corrections Officers.

 

For years, and especially the last 2 weeks, corrections officers have been advocating for safety and demanding better working conditions. They want to do the job and return home to their families after each long shift.

 

Now the Governor is straining the National Guard in the same dangerous environment, without an end in sight.

 

If a private sector business were treating employees this way, she would be standing at a podium outside the company's headquarters with the Attorney General, demanding accountability. These COs are employees of New York, and their concerns about safety are entirely valid. They deserve better.

 

Governor, it’s time to show empathy, common sense, and leadership. Do your job."