Hinchey Endorsed by Law Enforcement Labor Union Representing Over 1,000 Officers, Including NYS Forest Rangers, Environmental Conservation Police

HUDSON VALLEY & CATSKILLS, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey today announced that she has earned the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State (PBA of NYS), a union representing law enforcement officers within the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the State University System. Hinchey, a Democrat, is running for re-election to represent New York’s newly formed 41st Senate District, which includes all of Greene and Columbia Counties, most of Ulster County, and Northern Dutchess County.

“The PBA of NYS includes some of the most dedicated and hardworking members of law enforcement across our state and I’m incredibly honored to have earned their support for my re-election,” Senator Michelle Hinchey said. “Our Forest Rangers, ENCON, State Parks, and University Police work around the clock and under incredibly demanding conditions to protect our natural resources and keep people safe, and it’s been a privilege to fight for them in the State Senate and to deliver real, meaningful results. I’ll always have their backs, and it’s humbling to know they have mine.”

James McCartney, President of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, said, "The more than 1,100 police officers of the Police Benevolent Association of New York State enthusiastically endorse Senator Hinchey in her re-election bid for her unwavering support of our members and our legislative agenda. Senator Hinchey is a tireless champion of our efforts in Albany to pass laws to help us recruit, retain, and diversify a police force that is charged with the unique mission of protecting our state’s natural resources, parks, historic sites, and SUNY campuses.”

Throughout her first term in office, Senator Hinchey has been a champion of the PBA of NYS in the State Senate. Hinchey was instrumental in securing a multi-year salary increase for their officers (S8748) and in passing legislation (S8477) that would allow officers to retire with benefits after 20 years of service — five years sooner than what they are currently allowed and on par with other law enforcement officers. To shine a light on the urgent need to bolster recruitment, retention, and support for officers in the Catskills and statewide, Hinchey brought then Chair of the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee, Andrew Gounardes, to Hunter, NY, in Greene County for both a tour of Kaaterskill Falls and a roundtable with PBA officers to discuss leading concerns, including increased tourism, and how the state can be a better partner in addressing key challenges.

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