Letter: Allie-Brennan Votes to Support Correction Officers

"Allie-Brennan Votes to Support Correction Officers"

by Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan

Last night, I voted against legislation that, among other things, limits solitary confinement. While I support the main principles of the bill, I spoke on the House floor to express concerns with the lack of representation on the bill's advisory board for our correction officers.

There is not one seat explicitly designated for a correction officer or correction staff. I find this unfair and unreasonable. If the goal of the advisory board is to inform future legislation and submit issues for review, then all involved should be represented. In the absence of such inclusion, the recommendations of the advisory board will not reflect all affected by the legislation.

In Danbury, we have a federal prison and in Newtown we have a state prison. Many of the correction officers who serve these facilities live in my district and have been in contact with me regarding safety concerns and a disconnect regarding their voices and the legislative process surrounding this bill.

The decision not to vote for this legislation has been a difficult one. I support limiting the use of solitary confinement and providing more oversight for the Department of Correction, but the failure to give our correction officers a seat at the table and a voice in the room is something I cannot get past.

Sadly, and with much regret, I voted against this legislation in the hopes that we can find a vehicle to ensure the voices of correction officers and staff are reflected in the process. Following my remarks on the floor, the Ranking Member of Judiciary committed to finding a vehicle in the last days of session to rectify the issue and ensure the voice of correction officers and staff are reflected in the bill.

State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan represents the 2nd District, which includes parts of Bethel, Redding, Newtown, and Danbury.