“The election of Speaker Heastie last week brought hope that ethics reform would be ushered in with the changing of the guard in Albany. We are now beginning to realize that the priorities will likely remain the same despite the leadership change. Speaker Heastie stood tough on ethics reform merely a week ago, and now we have learned his focus has shifted to rent control for New York City residents. I would like to say I am surprised, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. As the legislature gavels out for its break, we have not heard a murmur of legislative ethics talk and cannot even discuss it until after the legislative break, two weeks from now. It will have been almost two months since the opening day of session when we return to the chamber, and still no substantial legislation or ethics package has been voted on. That is unacceptable.”