Sen. Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) voted against the Public Protection and General Government Bill (S.8305-C) state budget bill and a measure in it that authorizes the closure of up-to five correctional facilities statewide. 

During debate on this bill, Senator Stec brought an amendment to the Senate floor that would eliminate this closure provision.

More potential prison closures in the North Country would be a major blow to the local economy. In St. Lawrence County Ogdensburg Correctional Facility was recently shut down by the state and remains vacant and off the tax roll.

That comes at a time when the area's major employees have been struggling, fuel prices remain high and inflation continues to drive up living costs across the board.

The amendment was defeated by Senate Democrats in a party-line vote.

“Ever since language authorizing the closure of up-to five correctional facilities appeared in the governor’s original Executive Budget presentation, I’ve repeatedly spoken out about the dangerousness of this idea,” said Stec. “Data from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has shown a consistent increase in assaults on incarcerated individuals, officers and civilian staff. Between this and the declining number of correction officers, closing facilities would only exacerbate this current climate and make existing sites even less safe.

“Additionally, New York State’s record with managing closed correctional facilities has been an unmitigated disaster. Across the state, these buildings have been dormant and are turning into blight on their home communities, with no tangible plans presented to put these sites back in use and make them economic drivers in their respective regions,” he continued.

“These are among the many reasons I voted against this portion of the state budget, and it’s why I stood up on the Senate floor and sponsored a hostile amendment to eliminate this closure provision. I’m proud to fight on behalf of our correction officers, civilian staff and their home communities. It’s unconscionable that Senate Democrats refuse to accept the need to keep correctional facilities open, and instead continue to push an agenda that only furthers criminal behavior,” Stec concluded.