Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) voiced his concerns as the fourth budget extender was passed just ten days after the state budget due date. As budget negotiations continue, Maher remains committed to fighting against additional prison closures as the executive proposal allows the governor to close up to five prisons by March 31, 2026. These closures will be announced 90 days prior to their closure date, bypassing the current 12-month notification requirement.

Today, Maher was joined by Jelanie Sandiford, a former Ulster County correction officer with over ten years of service. Sandiford was one of approximately 2,000 officers terminated for participating in the correctional officer strikes. Together, they met with several Assembly Majority to express their shared concerns about the impact of further prison closures on correction officers, their families and communities across the state.

“Every time a prison closes, it’s not just a facility that disappears, it’s a community that suffers,” said Maher. “Jobs are lost, families are displaced and public safety is compromised. We must stop this trend before it becomes irreversible. New York’s correction officers have already endured enough instability. We cannot continue to close facilities without fully understanding the consequences on jobs, on communities and on public safety. These decisions must be made with transparency, accountability and input from the people who are most affected. I’m committed to standing up for these officers and ensuring their voices are heard. I want to thank Jelanie for joining me today, and I am proud to see him using his voice to bring change and stand up for what is right.”

“Today, I visited the Albany Capitol building and met with multiple Assembly members to discuss prison closures and the negative impact they have on all. Prison closures cause separation from families, increased stress and limited resources for both staff and the incarcerated. Even though many say closing prisons will increase staff presence, we know it has been proven to accelerate the loss of staff,” said Sandiford.

As the Legislature reconvenes on Tuesday to continue working toward a final state budget, Maher, Sandiford and members of the Assembly Minority Conference are determined to keep the pressure on the governor to remove the current prison closure language from the final budget and protect the livelihoods of correction officers across New York.