In a bold and controversial move, New York’s far-left Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an executive order that has sent shockwaves through the public service sector. Over 2,000 corrections officers, who were terminated following a recent strike, have now been permanently blacklisted from future state employment. This order goes beyond state roles, affecting county and municipal positions as well, effectively barring these patriots from public service in their own communities.
The measure, dubbed Executive Order 47.3, can be reviewed in full here. The decision has been criticized for its sweeping impact, including targeting officers on maternity leave, as reported here.
Amid a growing backlash, the Governor’s office appears to be in damage control, indicating that the employment restrictions may be revised to only apply to state government positions, sparing county-level jobs in New York’s 62 counties.
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) has yet to issue a formal press release, as shown on their website. However, they have communicated that private negotiations with the Governor’s office are underway, suggesting the executive order might expire on April 9th. These discussions aim to allow the officers to seek employment at the county level. NYSCOPBA’s Communications Specialist James Miller stated, “If you look at the many New York Counties that are facing severe Correctional Officers shortages, in many cases they are 10-30% short-staffed, this order could not continue so her order will expire on April 9th according to the Governor’s Secretary, whom I have been in contact with today.”
Miller further clarified that while state employment may remain off-limits, county jobs could still be an option for these officers, requiring them to regain their peace officer status.
The root of this controversy is a 22-day strike that began on February 17, 2025, where thousands of correction officers protested against unsafe working conditions and mandatory overtime. These issues were exacerbated by legislation from far-left Democrats, like the HALT Act, which officers argue compromises safety by severely restricting solitary confinement. In response to safety concerns, as part of the strike’s resolution, certain provisions of the HALT Act will undergo a 90-day suspension for further review.
Despite some agreements to address these grievances, many officers did not return to work, prompting the state to terminate those still striking beyond the deadline. Hochul’s executive order now labels these dismissals as “for cause,” stripping the officers of their certifications and disqualifying them from public sector roles, including local law enforcement positions.
Governor Hochul has a history of clashing with conservative values, as seen in her recent public dispute with President Trump over federal versus state authority concerning New York City’s congestion pricing program. Some critics suggest her current authoritarian measures are inconsistent with her past stances on executive power.
Significant backlash has erupted from various corners:
- Chemung County is challenging the constitutionality of the Executive Order in state court, while Allegany County has issued a statement opposing it, viewable here.
- Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel has publicly supported the officers and expressed frustration with the Governor’s actions, detailed here.
- Oneida County has authorized legal action to fight back, as reported here.
- Kelly Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Steuben County Legislature, emphasized the illegality of the order in her statement to WHAM News, available here.
The New York State Sheriffs’ Association has also voiced their opposition, highlighting the detrimental impact on already understaffed county jails, which you can read about here.
This sweeping measure has left many officers, including those on medical leave, without jobs or health insurance, sparking concerns about due process violations and ethical overreach. As the political and legal battles intensify, the fight for justice and fair treatment for these dedicated officers continues.
