Politicians Come Together to Help Save Local Jobs

GOSHEN – Senators Mike Martucci and James Skoufis joined with Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and members of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and the Public Employees Federation (PEF) to call for the preservation of hundreds of local jobs at the Goshen Secure Center. The facility, operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, houses 29 boys who committed violent offenses while under the age of sixteen. It is slated for closure as a part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2021-2022 Executive Budget despite past promises to provide a one-year notice to communities.

“This decision will not only put local people out of work in the midst of a pandemic, but it will also move the boys receiving rehabilitation services at this facility farther away from their families,” said Senator Mike Martucci (R-C-I, New Hampton). “Budgets are about priorities and the number one priority on my list is protecting and creating good-paying jobs. The Hollywood tax credit is being extended in this budget to the tune of $425 million. There is no justification for more corporate welfare for Hollywood while the working men and women of CSEA and PEF at Goshen Secure are being put out of a job. I’m asking my colleagues in the Legislature to join us in rejecting its closure.”

Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall) said, “I stand with the hardworking union members of CSEA and PEF, as well as my colleagues in government, in fighting like hell to prevent the Goshen Secure Center from being closed. There is no doubt that the state needs to reduce needless expenses, but to go after a vulnerable population and take away good-paying union jobs is flat-out wrong. If closed, the young men dependent on the mental health and rehabilitation services that the Goshen Secure Facility provides will be forced to go elsewhere. This type of change is not only a job-killer and a disruption to the residents but would also force patients to move further away from their families. I’m calling on the Legislature to vehemently reject this proposal.”

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “The Goshen Secure Center provides important public safety services for New Yorkers. The employees are professionals who care about and are an important part of our community. I encourage the State Legislature to reject the proposed closure of Goshen Secure.”

CSEA Southern Region President Anthony Adamo said, “Goshen Secure Center’s close proximity to New York City has made it possible for youths to receive regular family visitation, a crucial component in the rehabilitation process. Closing the facility will make it more difficult for families living downstate to visit and may even create economic hardship for these already struggling families, due to increased travel costs. This rush to close Goshen Secure Center is not only shortsighted because of its impact on families, but it’s also unfair and disrespectful for workers who’ve taken on challenging careers in order to help these youths turn their lives around.”

Vincent Carioscia, PEF Division 193 Leader, said, “We urge the Legislature to reject the closure of the Goshen Secure Facility. Now more than ever at-risk youth need a place where they can obtain the specialized services they need. The governor says one of the reasons for the closure is because crime is down, when in fact law enforcement officials around the country are sounding the alarm about a rise in juvenile offenses stemming mainly from the pandemic shutdowns and remote learning. If we don’t help these kids now, they will cost the state more down the line. It’s Goshen’s mission to help young men stay out of trouble and teach them how to lead productive lives.”

S1765, bipartisan legislation supported by Senators Martucci and Skoufis, moved out of the Disabilities Committee recently. That bill would require one-year notice and legislative approval for any closure of an OCFS or State operated mental health facility. The final 2021-2022 state budget is due April 1st and will determine the fate of Goshen Secure and three similar facilities around the state.