Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) is demanding answers today as it was revealed the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has placed several level-two sex offenders in the same housing as individuals with special needs. According to the report, these sex offenders are being placed in homes without notice, raising concerns about how widespread this occurrence may be.

“This practice must stop immediately,” said Ortt. “In no circumstance should the most vulnerable members of our society be placed in the same home as individuals convicted of preying on the vulnerable. The level of governmental incompetence displayed here is astonishing.”

Earlier this year, the New York State Senate passed legislation that would prohibit sex offenders from residing in community residences that also house individuals with developmental disabilities. This legislation (S3027) has repeatedly passed the Senate but was stalled in the Corrections Committee by Assembly Democrats. This previous session, it was not carried by any member of the Assembly Majority.

“This is only further proof that Democrats of our state have their priorities completely out of line,” said Ortt. “Instead of protecting our residents with developmental disabilities, they are concerned with protecting illegal immigrants and granting sexual predators the right to vote.”

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