Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-C-I – Corning) today joined Sen. Tom O’Mara, colleagues in the Senate and Assembly and New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) members from across the state, including those from Monterey Shock, at a rally at the Capitol to protest the governor’s proposed closure of four correctional facilities across the state.

“I was pleased to join my colleagues in the Legislature and our correction officers who work a dangerous job every day to keep us safe. My colleagues and I will continue to urge the governor and his administration to reverse this decision. Monterey Shock has proven over the past 26 years that it saves state taxpayer dollars, local property tax dollars, and, most importantly, saves and changes lives. In addition, Monterey Shock has only a seven percent recidivism rate after one year. This program works! If the administration wants to seriously reduce recidivism rates, we should be keeping Monterey Shock open and looking for opportunities to expand, not eliminate it.”

The Monterey Shock facility has saved New York taxpayers more than $1.4 billion. In addition, Monterey Shock has saved our local municipalities and not-for-profits more than $1 million per year.