March 28, 2023
JOINT STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLY MEMBERS BYRNES, GIGLIO AND PALMESANO:
A coalition of Assembly members led by Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia), Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), and Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie) are calling for an optional 20-year retirement plan for state correction officers.
The measure, based off of a bill introduced by Byrnes (A.5013) and co-sponsored by Palmesano and Tague, would decrease the existing retirement requirement for state correction officers by five years. The measure would allow more officers to retire, and offer an added benefit to a profession in the midst of a staffing crisis. It also recognizes the growing intensity and on-the-job dangers correction officers are facing.
“As their representative, it’s my responsibility to listen to the people in my district and one of the growing concerns I’ve heard is from correction officers. This field has become dangerous, and it’s largely a thankless job,” said Byrnes. “While Albany has only made their jobs harder by closing prisons, double-bunking and other measures that have led to increased prison violence, little has been done to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who have worked diligently to keep the peace in this field. They deserve it. That’s why I introduced this bill. I’m honored to have the support of my colleagues, and hope it is included in the budget.”
Assemblyman Palmesano said, “Our brave and dedicated correction officers face a staffing and safety crisis inside our state correctional facilities every single day they walk into work. Correction officers across our state have a very dangerous job and are experiencing record-setting assaults from violent and dangerous inmates because of pro-criminal legislation passed and supported by the governor and the Democrat majorities in Albany. This includes, but is not limited to, the HALT Act, which limits and restricts the segregation of the most violent inmates from the rest of the general population. The profession has seen thousands of dedicated employees leave because of the dangerous work environment requiring mandated overtime on a regular basis. At the budget hearing in February, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision commissioner said there were 867 vacancies at the time and estimated there would be 1150 by the end of the year. This is an unsafe and unsustainable environment, and the state finally needs to provide the necessary tools and resources to change this dangerous trend; this legislation will be a strong step in the right direction. It is well past time to put the interests of our law enforcement professionals ahead of the interests of dangerous and violent criminals. I am proud to co-sponsor this important legislation that will provide a long-overdue incentive to help retain our dedicated correction officers and address the critical need we have to recruit more officers. It would also finally align NYS correction officers with state police by giving them the option to retire after 20 years of service. Our dedicated members of law enforcement risk their health, safety and lives each and every day watching our backs and protecting us. It is only fitting that we show them how much we appreciate them and have their backs.”
