A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
Over the past few weeks, New York’s prison system has come to a halt as thousands of correction officers walked off the job, demanding better working conditions, safer environments, and the restoration of health benefits stripped away by Gov. Hochul’s administration. After nearly 20 days of chaos, a tentative deal was reached late Saturday, but it is clear that the root issues—namely, the state’s disregard for its correction officers—remain unresolved. The agreement, which requires 85% of officers to return to work, is fragile at best. Many officers remain distrustful of the deal, particularly because it does nothing to address the core problems plaguing our correctional system. Hochul’s refusal to retroactively restore health care benefits to striking officers has led to outrage and multiple lawsuits. Health coverage was wrongfully terminated, even for officers on approved medical leave when the strike began. This blatant disregard for the well-being of our correction officers highlights just how out of touch Gov. Hochul is with the realities facing those who protect our communities every day. Though the state has framed the agreement as a success, many officers are far from satisfied. The deal fails to address the most pressing concern—prison safety. Officers have long demanded stronger measures to discipline violent inmates, including the return of a “keep-lock” provision that would segregate disruptive inmates in their cells as a form of punishment. Hochul’s administration continues to ignore these calls, which only fuels further violence and instability within our prisons. The deaths of seven inmates during this strike should serve as a wake-up call—these deaths are a direct result of the administration’s failure to properly address the safety concerns of correction officers. What I’m hearing directly from corrections officers is that they are tired of being ignored and put in danger by reckless policies. It is particularly troubling that Gov. Hochul continues to support the HALT Act, a law that has made our prisons more dangerous by severely limiting the use of solitary confinement. Under the HALT Act, correction officers are left without effective tools to manage violent inmates, and it’s no surprise that violence has escalated. I strongly believe that the HALT Act must be repealed to restore some semblance of order and safety within our prisons. Until that happens, both correction officers and inmates will continue to face unacceptable conditions. The deal does include the formation of a committee to review solitary confinement laws and safety measures, but this is nothing more than a delay tactic. We need immediate action—not more studies. Correction officers deserve real solutions now, not vague promises from the Democratic majority. In the past couple of weeks, I was proud to stand with corrections officers on the picket line at Otisville and to attend a rally and fundraiser in Middletown, where I expressed my unwavering support directly to these brave men and women. Their voices must be heard, and I remain committed to fighting for their safety, fair treatment, and the respect they deserve. The state also owes it to its correction officers to restore trust. Many feel abandoned by their representatives in Albany. Hochul’s administration has only deepened this divide, with her office repeatedly failing to broker a fair deal. As your assemblyman, I will continue to push for a resolution that addresses the failures within our correctional facilities and gives officers the tools and support they need to work safely. Finally, New York’s prison system is operating with dangerously low staffing levels, forcing officers to work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. This is unsustainable and puts everyone at risk. The strike was not just about health care—it was a call for reform. We cannot ignore the issues in our prisons any longer. We must prioritize safety, support for correction officers, and a repeal of the HALT Act to restore order. I will continue fighting for real, lasting change.
###
Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website.
