Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) opposes a bill which was approved by Assembly Democrats on the Committee on Corrections to advance a floor vote which would give inmates a $10 daily minimum wage and would allow for an automatic cost of living adjustment (COLA) every five years. This represents a $27.5 million or 1,556 percent taxpayer-funded raise.
“From murderers and violent felons receiving early release, voting rights for inmates, college for convicts, free digital tablets for inmates, and now a $10 minimum wage – Democrats would like to make things pretty easy for criminals in New York while victims and taxpayers continue to pay for their crimes,” said Friend. “It’s not a matter of being cruel in our justice system, but a matter of ensuring our priorities are focused on the right things – providing justice to victims and fighting for everyday New Yorkers. There are senior citizens in nursing homes who have been waiting decades for a modest increase to the regular personal allowance. There are law-abiding residents who are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. This abundance of convict-centered policy is sending the wrong message to New Yorkers and it must be stopped.”
