Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece) today announced his support for the rules changes proposed by the Assembly Minority conference, which aim to create a more transparent government that works more efficiently for the people of New York state.
“The time of overspending and overtaxing in New York state must end. The time of representation for only one section of the state by a handful of individuals cannot be the way we continue to do business,” stated Reilich. “We need reform and these rules changes are the best way to make that happen.”
The proposal to establish these new rules was created for the purpose of allowing all individuals in New York state to be represented equally, as well as to prevent unsustainable mandates on local governments:
- Allows for each Member of the Assembly to be given the chance to bring at least one statewide bill to the floor for a vote during each term;
- Requires bills which impose unfunded mandates or create additional taxes to be specifically labeled;
- Provides equal funding for payroll allocations and staffing for member’s offices, regardless of party affiliation;
- Requires that all bills reported to the floor, be accompanied by reports showing all of the committee’s work on the bill.
“These changes that are being proposed would allow there to be a transparency and equality in Albany politics that benefit all individuals regardless of party affiliation and locality,” stated Reilich. “However, I am saddened to report that despite our urging and the recommendation of the Brennan Center, the majority members of the Assembly have voted against these measures. In these tough economic times, the last thing we should be doing is taking sides in partisan politics when New Yorkers across the state are suffering financially.”