Ortt, State Senate GOP want federal benefits for National Guard working in prisons
Press Release, State Senate Gop Leader Rob Ortt
Photo courtesy of State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt’s Office: Rob Ortt speaks during a news conference today in the State Capitol.
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Jake Ashby, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs, along with Senator Mark Walczyk and members of the Senate Republican Conference, sent a letter to President Donald Trump and General Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, requesting federal activation under Title 10 of the New York State National Guard troops who have been deployed to maintain order in prisons.
Doing so would guarantee the Guard members called to serve in New York prisons will be protected with the same benefits and legal protections as active military members and ensure comprehensive health coverage, including receiving a disability rating to authorize continuing care through the VA. Currently, they are serving under state orders and are not eligible for certain federal benefits.
“Our National Guardsmen step up in times of crisis and play a vital role in keeping order, especially when the situation becomes dangerous due to circumstances like unsafe working conditions in prisons,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Ensuring they have full benefits and adequate support if injured while carrying out their duties is crucial. They risk their lives to protect and serve, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re taken care of physically, mentally, and financially. This includes proper healthcare, compensation, and rehabilitation services for any harm they might face while working under these high-risk conditions. It’s the least we can do to honor their service.”
Correction officers began striking at dozens of prisons across the state the week of February 17th. Governor Hochul subsequently deployed more than 6,500 New York Guard members into the prisons to help maintain order for an indefinite period of time. Reports indicate the Guard members are working in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.
“Let’s remember why these servicemembers are doing this job in the first place: the conditions in our correctional facilities have completely deteriorated,” said Senator Jake Ashby. “They’re working in an extremely dangerous environment without extensive preparation or specific training. We have to protect them. Making them eligible for the same benefits as active duty military will provide them with the kind of comprehensive, ongoing health coverage they’d need and deserve should they suffer a serious injury.”
