Hochul’s Budget Betrays Western New York’s Correctional Officers

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora)

I represent the hard-working people of Western New York. I have fought continuously

for our brave correctional officers who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe. We saw the recently passed state budget balloon to an unprecedented $254 billion. Gov. Kathy Hochul and her Democrat colleagues in Albany have once again abused their single-party control, prioritizing political games over the needs of our prison staff and the safety of our communities.

This budget fails to address the chronic understaffing plaguing our correctional facilities.

Instead of supporting pension reform to boost recruitment and retention, Hochul’s administration has exacerbated the crisis. Her vindictive decision to terminate 2,000 officers and issue an executive order barring them from state employment has left our prisons dangerously understaffed. This isn’t leadership, it’s malice. Our correctional officers deserve better than to be pawns in Albany’s political theater.

Worse still, the budget grants the governor the power to close prisons with just 90 days’

notice, bypassing the standard one-year requirement under New York Correction Law. This

reckless move threatens to devastate local economies that are reliant on their respective

correctional facilities. Closing prisons in targeted Republican districts is a calculated attack on communities that dare to vote differently. Kathy Hochul would rather opt for the early release of incarcerated individuals to mask the staffing shortages she has created. Hochul’s policies are ruining lives and dismantling the infrastructure that supports public safety.

Instead of investing in our correctional officers, this budget funnels millions into

misguided priorities. This dangerous approach undermines the rule of law and puts communities at risk. Albany Democrats have the gall to allocate $10 million in taxpayer funds to cover legal defenses for elected officials, which we all know is done with embattled Attorney General Letitia James in mind. It’s outrageous that New Yorkers are forced to bankroll James’ legal fees while our prison staff work under a cloud of uncertainty.

For years, Albany’s closed-door dysfunction has produced bloated budgets that fail to

address affordability, safety or economic stability. Single-party rule has enabled Democrats to push their agenda with no accountability, leaving first responders and rural communities to bear the cost. Albany needs to correct course in the worst way. The trajectory of taxing and spending they have created is not sustainable, and their failure to take care of those who take care of us only shows their true colors.

Assemblyman David DiPietro represents the 147th Assembly District, which includes parts of

Erie and Wyoming counties.