Gov. Hochul’s latest solution to New York’s prison staffing crisis? Let violent criminals walk free before serving their full sentences.
At a Glance
- New York is considering releasing hundreds of inmates early, including violent offenders, due to a severe prison staffing shortage
- Over 2,000 corrections officers have left their positions in an unauthorized strike, costing taxpayers $100 million monthly
- Hochul’s merit time program expansion would allow violent offenders to reduce sentences by completing educational programs
- The proposal excludes murderers, rapists, and sex offenders but still faces opposition from lawmakers in both parties
- Critics call the early release program “reckless” and a “shortsighted response to a crisis of her own making”
Emptying Prisons: Hochul’s Answer to Staff Shortages
In a move that should shock absolutely no one familiar with New York’s leftist governance, Governor Kathy Hochul has found yet another way to put law-abiding citizens at risk while coddling criminals. Her brilliant solution to the state’s prison staffing crisis? Just let the inmates out early! According to reports, Hochul wants to expand New York’s “merit time” program to include violent offenders, potentially releasing up to 4,000 prisoners before they’ve completed their sentences. This comes as the state’s prison system faces a catastrophic staffing shortage of 4,000 personnel, with thousands of corrections officers essentially walking off the job.
Apparently, in Hochul’s New York, the solution to every problem is to surrender to it. Can’t find enough prison guards? Don’t worry about hiring more staff or addressing the root causes – just open the prison doors! The governor’s office insists this program will only apply to violent offenders with “excellent disciplinary records” who have completed educational or vocational programs. Because, you know, a violent criminal who managed to behave during their incarceration and completed a few classes is definitely ready to rejoin society early.
Democrats Recognize the Insanity
When even fellow Democrats are raising red flags about your criminal justice policies, you know you’ve gone too far left. State Senator Jim Skoufis, a Democrat from Orange County, has publicly opposed the expansion, stating bluntly: “I personally don’t believe we should be expanding these kinds of opportunities to folks who are incarcerated for serious violent offenses.” Skoufis also called out the governor’s true motives, noting that this isn’t about rehabilitation but about addressing “uneven staffing ratios” in prisons. Translation: Hochul created a staffing disaster and now wants to mask it by releasing criminals.
“I think the governor’s motive is more aligned with using this as a tool to address the uneven staffing ratios that exist in a lot of these prisons.” – State Sen. Jim Skoufis (D).
Another Democrat, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon from Oneida, has also expressed opposition, stating she does not support allowing “those convicted of violent felonies to be considered for merit time release.” It’s remarkable to see elected Democrats showing a modicum of common sense on this issue, recognizing that public safety should trump Hochul’s desperate attempt to patch over her administrative failures. When your own party members are distancing themselves from your policies, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your approach.
A Self-Inflicted Crisis
Let’s be crystal clear about something: this staffing crisis didn’t materialize out of thin air. It’s the direct result of years of progressive policies that have demoralized corrections officers while prioritizing the comfort of criminals. Assemblyman Anil Beephan hit the nail on the head when he called out the true nature of this disaster. This isn’t just mismanagement – it’s the predictable outcome of Albany’s anti-law enforcement agenda that has been building for years under Democratic control.
“This staffing shortage is definitely self-inflicted. It came from years of bad policy coming out of Albany.” – Assemblyman Anil Beephan.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly didn’t mince words either, calling Hochul’s early release program “reckless and shortsighted.” Donnelly and Assemblyman Ed Ra are now drafting legislation to prevent early releases due to staffing or budget issues – because apparently, we need a law to prevent the governor from endangering the public just to solve her administrative problems. The governor’s spokesperson can claim all day long that “no individuals convicted of violent felony or sex offenses have or will be released,” but her plan to expand merit time to violent offenders tells a completely different story.
The Real Victims
As usual with progressive criminal justice “reforms,” the voices conspicuously absent from this discussion are those of the victims. Assemblyman Beephan raised this crucial point when he asked: “What’s her excuse to the families that were impacted by these crimes? What’s her excuse to the victims?” There is no good answer because, in Hochul’s calculus, the convenience of her administration and the desires of incarcerated individuals evidently outweigh justice for victims and safety for communities.
“What’s her excuse to the families that were impacted by these crimes? What’s her excuse to the victims? This is not right. This memo is so shortsighted.” – Assemblyman Anil Beephan.
This is what happens when you elect politicians who view criminals as victims and the justice system as oppressive. New York continues its downward spiral under progressive leadership, with each new “reform” further undermining public safety and the rule of law. The merit time expansion is just the latest chapter in this ongoing disaster. Hochul claims no one posing a “public safety threat” will be released early, but her definition of “threat” seems dangerously narrow if it doesn’t include individuals convicted of violent crimes. New Yorkers deserve better than leaders who solve staffing problems by compromising public safety.
