5 More NY Prison Closings; Hochul's New State Budget

Guard towerPhoto byLance AndersononUnsplash

Governor Hochul released her proposal for the2024-2025 budget, it includes closure of 5 state correctional facilities. The north country of NY includes 11 of the 44 prisons in the state. Ogdensburg and Moriah Shock facilities were among the most recent closures. The Chateaugay Correctional Facility that closed in 2014 has remained vacant and empty ever since.

Both Republican and Democrat local representatives have objected to the proposed closures, saying a large number of north country residents and economy would be negatively impacted. Criminal Justice Advocates have applauded the closures over the years.

The closures are anticipated to save $77 million for fiscal 2025. The Governor is also proposing to take $500 million from the state reserve to help pay for the influx of undocumented immigrants sent to New York, in part by southern Republican Governors. One Republican state Senator, Joe Griffo, said:

"I don’t want to hear about how you’re going to save $77 million, and go spend an additional $500 million from the reserves," he said.

The state has closed 24 correctional facilities and eliminated more than 13,000 prison beds since 2011, with the incarcerated population steadily declining by almost 40 thousand over two decades.

Correction officer unions warn of increased prison violence and shortages of guards.