New York State Assembly

An open government and freedom of information are important components of a properly functioning legislative process. This is especially important in June, when measures are introduced and passed in haste - often with little notice to legislators and community groups. In this week's column, I will share my ideas for creating a more effective, responsive and transparent state government that truly represents all New Yorkers.

ALBANY MUST TAKE UP REFORMS TO ENSURE A MORE TRANSPARENT AND EFFECTIVE PROCESS

The end-of-session rush too often compromises proper time, attention and debate about critical public policies. It is no different this year. With less than a week remaining on the legislative calendar, the Assembly has yet to see details of major legislative items that address casinos, tax-free economic development, and women's equality. The important nature of these bills necessitates a thorough analysis and discussion. Attempts to rush bills through the Legislature by issuing "messages of necessity" should never take place next week or anytime - unless a true emergency exists.

When bills are passed quickly in Albany without public discussion and an open process, the will of the people is not respected. As legislators, we should make every effort to implement a more efficient and effective process that emphasizes the importance of public input and information. I'm proud to have supported the following reforms to put people ahead of politics by promoting greater transparency and public input:

• Ensure public access to committee actions by requiring all committee meetings to be recorded by video and made available on the Assembly website;

• Encourage daytime voting by requiring that bills must be approved by two-thirds of all members anytime the session extends beyond the eight-hour limit;

• Allow adequate time for public comment on bills by requiring that any message of necessity submitted by the governor must be accepted by a two-thirds vote;

• Facilitate public participation by allowing one-third of the members of a committee to be able to petition for a public hearing on any bill; and

• Require all Assembly votes to be made available in electronic format within 24 hours of the vote.

TRANSPARENCY GIVES NEW YORKERS THE INFORMATION THEY NEED TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT

Legislators in Albany are elected by the people to represent their interests in our home districts. When the legislative process ignores the will of the people, we see long-lasting and damaging effects.

An especially egregious example of this took place in January, when lawmakers rushed to pass the NY SAFE Act without public input. New Yorkers responded immediately and decisively to the legislation and flawed process by which it was developed. Thousands have voiced their disapproval by contacting their legislators, signing petitions, writing letters and attending rallies held at the Capitol and in communities across the state.

Unfortunately, the voice of the people can also be stifled by inaction. Right now, legislation that would combat public corruption, create a registry of violent offenders, stop unfunded mandates and legalize professional Mixed Martial Arts have all been prevented from being put to a vote in the Assembly.

THE 'SOLE ACT' WOULD REDUCE PARTISAN POLITICS AND PAVE THE WAY FOR COMMON-SENSE LEGISLATION

When a minority party legislator does not have the ability to bring a piece of legislation to the floor or a resident does not have the opportunity or information needed to communicate with their legislator, it disenfranchises every one of us. I talk to thousands of parents, community groups, small business owners, and local government officials every year. The conversations are about a variety of different subjects but many end with the same question: Why doesn't Albany pass a bill to address it?

Year after year, hundreds of good bills are 'held' in committee or are 'laid aside.' This simply means that all too often, the politicians in charge refuse to let common-sense legislation come to the floor for a vote. The Sensible Opportunity for Legislative Equality (SOLE) Act (A.2747, Johns) would ensure that every lawmaker has the ability to bring at least one piece of legislation with statewide significance to the floor each term. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that every state legislator will have an equal chance to effectively represent the families and small businesses in their home district.

FLAG DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR OUR COUNTRY

Flag Day is the day set aside to honor the symbol of our country, our beloved "Stars and Stripes." When honoring the symbol, we also pay tribute to the principles upon which our nation was founded and reflect on the freedom we enjoy today. When honoring our flag, we honor the sacrifices that so many have made so that it can fly above us today. I encourage you to join me in flying the flag proudly, remembering the principles our nation was founded on, and celebrating the United States of America on Flag Day.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.