Albany — Billboards reading Help Wanted New Governor Needed have appeared across New York, put up by the PBA of New York State, the union representing State Park Police, University Police, Environmental Conservation Officers, and Forest Rangers. The message criticizes Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of failing to address law enforcement staffing shortages in these divisions, and claims that New York isn’t safe under her leadership.
Just two days after the billboards went up, Governor Hochul vetoed a bill that would have allowed officers in these divisions to retire with a pension after 20 years of service, rather than the current 25 years. The PBA of NYS argued the change would improve recruitment and retention by making the positions more competitive with other law enforcement agencies. The bill had passed almost unanimously in the Senate and Assembly.
In her veto of Assembly Bill 8918A, Hochul explained:
This bill has been vetoed four times over the past five years because this pension enhancement would impose substantial unbudgeted costs on the State. The State would be required to pay a past service cost of $66.7 million, and the annual employer contribution would increase by $6.0 million. The bill is disapproved.
In response, the PBA of New York State released a strong statement. President Jim McCartney said, This is the most unconscionable behavior I have ever witnessed by government officials and a complete violation of public trust. Despite our best efforts to support the Governor’s public safety, environmental, and inclusion agenda, her true colors have finally shown through, and all New Yorkers can see her for the anti-police, anti-labor authoritarian that she is.
McCartney also questioned how Hochul’s fellow Democrats in the legislature would react, noting that they had overwhelmingly supported the bill and the missions of the officers who have saved many lives.