Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River, is blaming Assembly Democrats for blocking a measure he says would have allowed the state to take away Joyce Mitchell's pension.

She pleaded guilty Tuesday to aiding inmates Richard Matt and David Sweat in escaping from Clinton Correctional Facility.

The bill, which he says was introduced in 2010, would set into motion the ability to strip away public pensions from elected officials and public employees who are convicted of felonies related to their duties.

"This legislation would have set into motion the process to strip public pensions from individuals like Mitchell and other felon public officers, included elected officials, however, Assembly Democrats blocked the bill," Blankenbush said. “Joyce Mitchell was hired and entrusted to help keep our communities safe working for the Clinton Correctional Facility. She completely violated the people’s trust as a public employee by helping two violent murderers escape prison,” said Blankenbush. “Hard-working taxpayers should not have to pay for her pension on top of the cost of the multi-million dollar manhunt for Matt and Sweat. Public pension forfeiture should be made into law to protect New Yorkers.”

The bill was presented on the floor of the Assembly as an amendment but 99 Democrats voted against it, according to Blankenbush.

He says he will urge passage of the bill during the next legislative session.

Blankenbush's 117th Assembly District covers most of western St. Lawrence County, including Gouverneur.