NEW YORK STATE - New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo released a statement discussing an executive order by the governor's office prohibiting fired Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) employees from working for other government agencies.

The statement said: The governor’s executive order prohibiting more than 2,000 terminated corrections officers from working for state agencies or obtaining municipal jobs is appalling and an egregious example of executive overreach.

I am urging the governor to immediately rescind this executive order, which also comes at a time when many local governments and law enforcement agencies, as well as DOCCS, are dealing with critical workforce shortages and could use additional staff and resources.

The governor and legislative majorities are responsible and share the blame for the issues that have plagued the state’s prison system. Under their leadership and because of one-party control, we have seen legislation passed and policies like the HALT Act implemented that have emboldened criminals and created dangerous conditions in correctional facilities.

Instead of standing with our hardworking men  and  women in corrections who have raised legitimate concerns about their safety, the administration has turned its back on them. This is unacceptable. These are dedicated public servants who are being targeted by the state because they stood up for a safer and more secure work environment.

I will continue to work to improve conditions for everyone in the state’s correctional facilities and to implement much needed systemwide reform.

- NY State Senator Joseph A. Griffo