Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R,C-Horseheads) applauded today’s Assembly passage of legislation that increases the salaries of correction and peace officers throughout the state. Peace officers are members of security services who serve within the Department of Correctional Services.

“The men and women who protect our communities daily are in need of salary raises,” said O’Mara. “They put their lives on the line every day to ensure a safer state and nation. They deserve to be justly compensated for their dangerous work.”

The bill also provides for continued payments to the Employee Benefit Fund, performance advancements, longevity step payments to members, compensation for pre-shift briefings and a uniform cleaning allowance for the officers.

“The pay increases coupled with the added incentives mean individuals who carry out one of today’s toughest jobs will be better paid to carry out such work,” remarked O’Mara. “I am pleased the Assembly passed this legislation before the session ended.”

The average annual salary for an upstate correction officer under the bill would be $50,984, not including overtime, longevities, inconvenience pay and uniform allowances.

The bill already passed the state Senate and awaits the signature of the governor to become law.