Rockland Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for her handling of New York State's prisons. He expressed concern over the activation of the National Guard to staff these facilities, attributing it to what he described as a failure in recognizing and addressing existing issues.

"Governor Hochul activating the National Guard to staff prisons is the result of her total failure in recognizing there was a problem," said Congressman Lawler. He highlighted that corrections officers across the state have been working excessively long shifts due to staffing shortages, which he believes are caused by Albany's policies that prioritize criminals over law enforcement.

Lawler also pointed out his opposition to the HALT Act during his time in the State Assembly, stating that it has made prison work conditions nearly untenable. "If Governor Hochul was serious about fixing this problem, or the issue of cashless bail, she would repeal both laws and empower law enforcement to do their jobs," he concluded.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, an area just north of New York City encompassing Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. Known for his bipartisan approach in Congress, Lawler continues to voice concerns regarding state governance and public safety policies.