Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has voiced concerns over the safety of correctional officers in New York State prisons. She attributes these issues to policies enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats, particularly the HALT Act. According to Stefanik, this legislation has led to a 76% increase in assaults on officers, extended working hours ranging from 48 to 72-hour shifts, and staffing shortages that have created dangerous conditions within the prison system.

Stefanik emphasized her communication with correctional officers and their families who are experiencing these challenges firsthand. "I have been directly in touch with many correctional officers and their families in our district who are facing unprecedented, dangerous, and life-threatening circumstances due to the failed and dangerous policies of New York State," she stated.

The Congresswoman criticized what she perceives as a lack of response from state officials: "For too long, the concerns of our correctional officers advocating for necessary reforms have fallen on totally deaf ears in Albany." She called on Governor Hochul to take immediate action: "Kathy Hochul must take immediate action to ensure the hardworking correctional officers of New York can do their jobs safely and effectively."

Stefanik concluded by describing the situation as a crisis caused by state policies: "This is a crisis of epic proportion in our corrections system caused by New York State's catastrophic policies.”