letter to the editor

NYSCOPBA president slams governor’s veto of critical death gamble legislation

Posted 1/1/25

The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) is deeply disappointed in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto the union’s “death gamble” …

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letter to the editor

NYSCOPBA president slams governor’s veto of critical death gamble legislation

Posted

The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) is deeply disappointed in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to veto the union’s “death gamble” legislation yet again. This was a straightforward measure to provide financial security to the families of correctional officers who lose their lives while continuing to work after reaching retirement eligibility.

“The governor’s veto not only harms New York’s brave correctional officers but carries with it a stark disregard for the sacrifices they and their families make to ensure public safety. Every day, correctional officers walk into facilities filled with violence, chaos and uncertainty. They face risks that few can comprehend, yet they do so with unwavering commitment to their duty. To deny their families the modest security this legislation would have provided in their darkest hour is indefensible,” stated president Chris Summers. 

What makes this decision even more troubling is the fact that in last year’s veto message, the governor had indicated that this benefit needed to be provided in the context of the state’s budget process.  To that end, NYSCOPBA made several requests to have this much needed financial protection included in the 2024-2025 Executive Budget, only to have the proposal excluded.  As such the union had to seek stand-alone legislative support from the Legislature—support which it unanimously received from both houses. Yet the governor has chosen to disregard this clear position of the legislature, which was even supported by her own appointed Department of Corrections and Community Supervision commissioner.

NYSCOPBA will not stand silently in the face of such blatant disregard for our membership. We will redouble our efforts to ensure this legislation is revisited and ultimately passed.

The men and women of NYSCOPBA deserve better. The families of those who make the ultimate sacrifice deserve better.  The state needs to demonstrate that it values and respects the people who risk their lives to protect its citizens.

James Miller
Director of public relations
NYSCOPBA
Albany, NY

new york state, correctional officers, police benevolent association, kathy hochul, veto, death gamble, legislation, financial security, correctional officers

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