Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I – Corning) today cast his vote in opposition to legislation which was rushed through the Assembly and Senate without public hearings, review or input, while restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

“Governor Cuomo, in the past, has advocated for openness and transparency in government when considering major legislation,” said Palmesano. “However, the legislation passed today failed that test and was printed and hurried to a vote without any public hearings, review or input.

“The tragic events of Newtown, CT and Webster, NY have certainly impacted us all,” said Palmesano. “As the father of two school-aged children, I agree we need to do more to address the violence facing our society today. However, I also believe an issue as important as this, and its implications to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, needed and deserved to have a deliberative and open process of public review and comment. The victims and their families of these horrible crimes deserved nothing less. Unfortunately, this did not happen, and I believe we’ve done a disservice to the victims of crime and the rights of law-abiding citizens.”