Assemblyman Scott Gray, who represents St. Lawrence County in the 116th District, issued a statement today (April 18) critical of the state’s budget deliberations thus far and the budget’s call to close five correctional facilities.

“After today’s deliberation on the public protections and general government budget bill, while there are some good measures in this bill, such as retail theft provisions and minor Tier 6 reform, this bill, unfortunately, contains a total of five correctional facility closures,” Gray said.

“As of this date, we have not been given any insight as to which five correctional facilities in the state will be closed. We have yet to deal with the two North Country facilities that have been closed recently,” the Assemblyman said.

“Instead of supporting corrections officers, safeguarding jobs and encouraging economic growth, the state continues to show its real priorities are not hardworking New Yorkers, but the continued decline of our local upstate communities,” he said.

“I cannot support a bill like this, which is why I voted ‘no,’” Gray said.

Assemblyman Gray represents the 116th District, which consists of Jefferson County and St. Lawrence County.

For more information, please visit Assemblyman Gray’s Official Website at https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Scott-Gray/ .