State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, today said he was very pleased to hear that Governor M. Jodi Rell has included additional funding to accommodate 125 new Correction Officers. Sen. Kissel, who serves as ranking senator of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, said that increasing the staffing levels at the state’s correctional facilities is one of his top priorities this year and for the governor to address this in her budget package on the opening day of session is a very good sign.

“This is exactly what I wanted to hear,” said Sen. Kissel following Gov. Rell’s State of the State address before a joint session of the General Assembly. “Last month I met with the Governor to address the concerns I had with prison staffing levels. She drew on those concerns and with today’s announcement of an additional 125 prison guards the Governor has made public safety and the safety of our state’s prison system a top priority as well.”

In her speech Gov. Rell also announced the reconditioning of three dormitories at the Carl Robinson Correctional Institution that would increase capacity at the facility by 342 beds. Sen. Kissel said that this renovation is already under way and that no further prison expansion has been proposed by Governor Rell.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of these facilities. From the corrections officers to the public at large, this has to be our number one priority,” said Sen. Kissel. “By placing this item in her budget the Governor is taking an important step towards ensuring the safety of these facilities.”