O'Mara highlights ongoing fallout from staffing shortage crisis within NYS correctional facilities скачать в хорошем качестве

O'Mara highlights ongoing fallout from staffing shortage crisis within NYS correctional facilities

Albany, N.Y., February 12—State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, is again joining legislative colleagues in Albany this week to continue a monthlong series of joint Senate-Assembly hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026-2027 New York State budget. On Thursday, the hearing is examining the governor’s specific proposals for Public Protection. The hearing’s second panel of the day included New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, who testified before the panel and faced questioning from legislators, including O’Mara, on a range of concerns and issues. O’Mara focused his questioning on: 1.) The continuing fallout from the correctional officers' strike early last year, including an ongoing, crisis-level shortage of correctional officers within the state’s prison system, Governor Hochul’s continuing and costly use of National Guard members to maintain security within New York State’s correctional facilities, and the outlook for addressing correctional officer recruitment and retention efforts; and 2.) The role of the New York State Police in combatting the continuing escalation of auto insurance fraud statewide. Senator O'Mara has served as the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee since 2021. "We welcome this year’s budget hearings, at this critical time, for direct input and critique on a range of policy areas that will decide the short- and long-term future and strength of our local communities and economies.” said Senator O’Mara, who represents the 58th Senate District comprised of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and a part of Allegany County. Read more and find the full hearings schedule on www.omara.nysenate.gov.