February 23, 2025
FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY:
On Wednesday, I visited Collins Correctional Facility to stand with the men and women who serve as officers in New York State’s correction facilities. Here, I highlighted the dangerous work practices that are being made worse by New York State’s HALT Act, which has taken away the ability of corrections staff to enforce rules and disincentivize bad behavior. I cannot stress enough: Governor Kathy Hochul needs to let these Corrections Officers do their job.
These men and women have been subjected to mandatory overtime. In some cases, they have had to work up to three consecutive shifts at twelve hours a clip. To make matters worse, Democrats in Albany have decreed that New York state prisons are to act as if 70% staffing is now 100%. The lurch to the far left here in New York has come at the cost of our safety.
The consequences have been immensely dangerous for the officers and prisoners alike. Inmate-on-inmate assaults are up 169% and inmate-on-staff assaults are up 76%. For too long, they have been sounding the alarm that working conditions and staffing assignments are unsafe.
The recent Collins Correctional Facility lockdown is just a preview of coming attractions if the Democrats in Albany don’t address their staffing demands immediately. Until something changes, the corrections officers have my full support to demand nothing less. It was an honor to physically stand with the officers and hear from them directly.
If you missed the live stream, you can watch the video replay from my visit to Collins Correctional Facility here!
FROM SENATOR GEORGE BORRELLO:
After leaving Attica Correctional Facility, I had the opportunity to visit Collins Correctional Facility to show my support for the hardworking correctional staff there who are currently on strike.
This facility, which is directly adjacent to my district, holds a special place in my heart—many of my constituents and friends work there. These dedicated individuals play a critical role in keeping our community safe, and they deserve to be treated with fairness and respect.
As they fight for better working conditions, fair pay, and proper support, it’s important that we stand with them. Correctional staff put their lives on the line every day, facing stressful and dangerous situations.
I am proud to support their cause, and I’ll continue to advocate for the resources and attention they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. Their fight is not just for themselves but for the safety and well-being of all of us.
