February 02, 2011

Reactions to Cuomo's budget proposals for prison closure

From the Poughkeepsie Journal:

"The proposal is already meeting resistance from the union that represents correction officers. The mostly Republican lawmakers who represent the largely rural, upstate areas with prisons and youth centers may also oppose the closures and consolidations.

Cuomo, in his budget presentation, said the plan would need to move forward rapidly in order to save money.

"We are not talking about releasing prisoners. We are taking about consolidating prisons and unused space," Cuomo said.

The governor, a Democrat, added that he wants to include lawmakers in the process.

But the details of Cuomo's plan show that he would move quickly to close prisons after receiving recommendations from a commission 30 days after the budget is approved."

Full story:
Cuomo plan to close, combine prisons draws union opposition (Poughkeepsie Journal, February 2 2011)

See also:
NY prisons data show more assaults in 2010 (Wall Street Journal, February 22 2011)
Cuomo's prison panel irks Senate Republicans (Democrat and Chronicle.com, February 14 2011)
Cuomo: Task force to determine which prisons will close (update) (Adirondack Daily Enterprise, February 1 2011)
Cuomo to close prisons; Tug Hill agency gets ax (Watertown Daily Times, February 1 2011)
Prison guards PBA says no prisons can safely close (Times Union Capitol Confidential, February 1 2011)