Assemblyman delivers letter to leader of so-called Assembly Majority “Reform Caucus”

 asking where in the world are the reforms that were promised?

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) and 25 of his colleagues today delivered a letter (see attached) to Assemblyman Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan), who is a leader of the Assembly Majority’s so-called “Reform Caucus” asking where in the world are the reforms that the Majority Conference promised over one year ago.

Last year, the Assembly Majority "Reform Caucus" sent a letter to all members of the Democratic Conference to ask them to sign on to several reforms. The letter asked its membership the following questions:

 “Should the Assembly be more transparent?...What role should Members play in making decisions regarding committee assignments, agendas, and staff allocations? Can technology increase transparency? Should we expend Assembly resources to update technology?”

“…How can members have a greater opportunity to weigh in on policy and budget decisions before legislative negotiations? How can we encourage a real and robust debate in committee meetings and on the floor? Should Members have the ability to get bills voted on in committee and on the floor if there is broad support among colleagues?”

“U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has been to Albany to speak on corruption and we’ve had several convictions of legislative leaders since a new Speaker was chosen and all we’ve heard from the Majority about reform is the sound of crickets chirping,” said Tedisco.  “Taxpayers have waited patiently. Where’s the reform? It’s time for this so-called ‘Reform Caucus’ to get off their duff and start changing the culture of corruption that’s infected Albany for far too long.”

A few weeks ago, the Assembly Republican conference brought forth 13 reforms that would codify in the Assembly Rules many of the changes that were in the Reform Caucus’ letter.

“If Assemblyman Kavanagh and his colleagues are serious about reform that helps bring legislation that has broad-based support from colleagues, his caucus will support my “Spirit of ‘76” bill (A.8658/S.6475) to allow for a piece of legislation that has garnered the sponsorship of 76 members of the Assembly -- regardless of party affiliation -- to bypass committee and the unbridled power of the Speaker and move to the Floor for a debate and up or down vote” said Tedisco.

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