Corwin Calls For Reforms To Legislative Process

March 1, 2013

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R,C,I-Clarence) introduced a variety of reforms to the legislative process during session this week in Albany. The reforms came in the format of five legislative resolutions that would provide increased transparency, public discourse, and legislative accountability.

“We have an obligation to the people of New York State to serve their best interests and to do so in an accountable and responsible manner. Passing bills that were crafted behind closed doors in the middle of the night does not serve anyone’s best interest,” said Assemblywoman Corwin. “What we have seen from Albany, all too often and for way too long, is irresponsible government, often prompted by personal ego or political aspirations. If we took a more inclusive, deliberate and pragmatic approach, the state of our state would be much improved.”

Assemblywoman Corwin has been a long-time proponent of reforming the legislative process. She is a strong supporter of bringing the legislative process into the 21st Century by making better use of technology, a measure that will both increase transparency by allowing the public to view legislation and votes in a timely manner, as well as efficiency by phasing out the extensive use of paper and printing time required for each bill (which for larger bills, such as budget bills, can take hours per bill).

The legislative resolutions presented by Assemblywoman Corwin this week included measures to make all votes, including committee votes and floor roll call votes, available to the public online; to record and broadcast committee proceedings; move legislation through the committee process in a more transparent manner; allow each member regardless of political affiliation to have one substantive bill come up for a vote per session; limit legislative session during the hours of midnight to 6 am, barring an emergency; and, that all members, regardless of political affiliation, have equal staff and materials allocations.

While the Assemblywoman was speaking on the resolutions in the Assembly Chamber, a crowd of more than 5,000 citizens gathered outside in the West Capitol Park to protest gun control provisions in the NY S.A.F.E. Act. The Assemblywoman commented, “This measure, while well-intended, steamrolled any opportunity for input from professionals in the related fields, not to mention the opportunity for rank-and-file legislators or the public to share their views and input, and the result was a very poorly constructed bill full of technical errors that turns citizens and law enforcement into criminals, does very little to improve public safety and keep our children safe, and has additionally alienated a large section of the public.”

“If we enact meaningful reforms to the legislative process, we will benefit. Not only will our laws be stronger, but our process will be more efficient. Rather than having to go back and amend laws to fix technical mistakes and oversight, we can move on to addressing other needs of our state,” said the assemblywoman. Despite her call, and the support of members of the Minority Conference, all of the resolutions were defeated.

EDITORS’ NOTE: A video of the assemblywoman introducing some of the above-mentioned rules reforms can be viewed by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mdbB5W7nM4&feature=youtu.be

Additionally, after session adjourned for the week, the assemblywoman joined the crowd outside the Capitol. Her reaction to the event can be watched by clicking here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJhFjK2KdIQ&feature=youtu.be

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