ALBANY – Losing minimum security prisons like Camp Pharsalia while at the same time releasing drug dealers into our communities is the beginning of “a disturbing trend,” said New York Senator James L. Seward last week.

Seward joined senate Republicans in offering amendments to thwart closing three minimum security prisons in upstate New York as well as proposed drug law changes, but Senate Democrats voted to move forward with both.

Under the budget agreement announced by Governor Paterson, Speaker Silver, and Senator Smith, Camp Pharsalia in Chenango County, Camp Gabriels in Franklin County and Mt. McGregor in Saratoga County would be closed without the required 12-month notice required by law.