Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a controversial move to extend the merit time program to include inmates convicted of violent crimes, a decision that has sparked significant debate.
This initiative, which currently benefits non-violent offenders by allowing them to reduce their sentences through educational and vocational achievements, could potentially see thousands more prisoners released early.
As reported by The New York Post, Hochul's administration estimates that over 4,000 inmates have already fulfilled the necessary program criteria, making them eligible for early release. This proposal, first highlighted by Spectrum News, has drawn criticism from several state legislators who are concerned about the implications of releasing individuals convicted of serious crimes.
State Senator Jim Skoufis expressed his opposition, stating, "I personally dont believe we should be expanding these kinds of opportunities to folks who are incarcerated for serious violent offenses." Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon echoed this sentiment, asserting, "I am not in support to allow those convicted of violent felonies to be considered for merit time release."
While progressive factions have championed this measure, it appears Hochul's support may be driven by a pragmatic need to address staffing shortages within state prisons.
DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello recently highlighted a deficit of 4,000 personnel, exacerbated by Hochul's earlier decision to terminate approximately 2,000 corrections officers who participated in illegal strikes. Senator Skoufis suggested that the governor's motivation might be to "address the uneven staffing ratios that exist in a lot of these prisons."
The proposal, however, maintains certain restrictions, excluding individuals convicted of particularly heinous crimes such as murder and sexual offenses. Despite the contentious nature of the discussions, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul has yet to provide an official comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, negotiations over New York's substantial $252 billion state budget are progressing, following a tentative agreement on revisions to the state's 2019 discovery laws. Lawmakers have extended state funding and plan to reconvene next week, as they continue to navigate the complexities of the budget and this contentious proposal.
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