Schuyler County officials are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to reverse an executive order that prohibits former Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) employees from being hired by state, county, or local government agencies.
In a letter sent March 18, Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Carl H. Blowers, along with other legislators and Sheriff Kevin Rumsey, strongly opposed Executive Order No. 47.3, arguing it unfairly penalizes corrections officers and undermines civil service protections.
“By singling out these employees and placing a permanent bar on their ability to find future employment of any kind in any municipality, your administration is not only undermining civil service protections but also perpetuating a cycle of harm,” the letter states.
County officials emphasized that, amid ongoing staffing shortages in local governments, Hochul’s order further strains the ability to hire qualified personnel. They also criticized what they see as a contradiction between the executive order and the Clean Slate Act, which seeks to provide second chances to individuals with criminal records while barring dedicated public servants from continuing their careers.
The letter urged Hochul to “immediately reverse” the order, calling it “ill-conceived, arbitrary and capricious.” Officials argued that rather than punishing corrections officers, the state should recognize their years of service and commitment to public safety.
Schuyler County leaders say they will continue to stand by law enforcement and public servants who they believe have been unfairly targeted by the executive action.
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