Schuyler County lawmakers have temporarily shelved a resolution to sue the state over Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order barring fired corrections officers from being hired in public-sector jobs. The decision follows confirmation that the controversial hiring restriction will expire on April 9.
County Attorney Steven Getman announced that the legislature adjourned the lawsuit discussion at its March 24 meeting after receiving notice from state officials that key provisions of Executive Order 47.3 will not be renewed.
“After the county’s proposed lawsuit was announced, the New York State Division of Homeland Security issued a letter March 22 to all counties,” Getman said. “That letter states the governor’s order prohibiting the hiring of correction officers whom she fired in connection with the strike is temporary.” He confirmed that the restriction will lift on April 10, allowing local governments to rehire the affected officers.
Sheriff Kevin Rumsey backed the decision to delay legal action but warned that the county should be ready to move forward if the order is extended. “If the order is not rescinded, I will ask the legislature to move forward to protect our ability to staff our jail with experienced personnel and to stand against unconstitutional overreach,” he said.
Rumsey also raised concerns that Hochul may attempt to decertify the fired officers, which would require them to undergo retraining before being rehired. He argued that this would be costly and unnecessary, given their experience.
The hiring ban, which followed a three-week strike by Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) officers, drew sharp criticism from Rumsey and County Legislature Chair Carl Blowers. In a March 18 letter to the governor, they condemned the executive order, calling it an unjust restriction that exacerbates local staffing shortages.
“We write to express our strong opposition to your recent Executive Order, which unjustly prohibits DOCCS employees from being hired by other state, county, or local government workers,” they stated, adding that the policy contradicts Hochul’s broader push for second chances under the Clean Slate Act.
Schuyler County’s next legislative meeting is set for April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Schuyler County Courthouse. The public is invited to attend.
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