Assemblyman Ed Ra (19th Assembly District) and the entire Assembly Minority Conference have launched legislation to reform New York State government and create real accountability for those who use their position in government to abet their own personal avarice. The Public Officers Accountability Act of 2013 (A.7393) is a comprehensive measure that creates new criminal laws for those who violate the public trust, institutes term limits for legislative leaders and significantly bolsters ethics laws. Ra, who is also co-sponsoring pension forfeiture legislation, sees this bill as a way to better ensure state government actually represents New Yorkers, not special interests.

“The recent scandals emanating from Albany have shown that now more than ever is the time to enact real reform,” said Ra. “I am proud to sponsor legislation calling for pension forfeiture for public officials convicted of a felony, and the Public Officers Accountability Act is the next step in fixing our broken government, restoring the public trust and giving our residents the representation they deserve.

“We must bring greater transparency and integrity to our government and provide New Yorkers with the responsible and open government they demand. I urge the Assembly Majority to take up this measure so we can make sure our elected officials are serving for the right reason: to enhance the quality of life and create more opportunities for everyone in this state.”