Dear Neighbor,

I have been an advocate for bringing greater transparency and accountability to state government since my first days in the Assembly. During this year’s legislative session I sponsored three major laws that brought meaningful reform to how Albany operates. In addition to these laws, I supported a resolution that changed internal Assembly rules, bringing more openness to legislative proceedings and making them more productive and efficient.

We accomplished a lot this last session, but there is always more we can do. I am looking forward to getting back to Albany in January to continue my efforts in making Westchester County, and New York, a better place to live.

Producing a more transparent and efficient state budget (Ch. 1 of 2007) by requiring:

	All member items be lined out in the budget
	Multi-year financial planning to assist local governments in planning their budgets
	The Legislature to enact a balanced budget

Improving government ethics (Ch. 14 of 2007) by:

	Banning gifts from lobbyists to legislators
	Prohibiting legislative staff from lobbying the Legislature for two years after employment ends
	Strengthening penalties for ethics and lobbying violations

Workers’ compensation reform—Improving the climate for businesses and employees (Ch. 6 of 2007)

	Reduced business costs by over 20 percent
	Increased benefits to injured workers for the first time in more than a decade
	Put significant anti-fraud measures into place to ensure the integrity of the system

Promoting a more open, accountable and effective Legislature (Resolution 503) by:

	Enhancing member participation by expanding time for floor debate
	Streamlining legislative procedures to ensure that every bill receives the full consideration of a committee
	Requiring ethics training for all members and staff

Restoring the public’s faith in the electoral system

Last year, Assemblywoman Paulin sponsored the “campaign finance reform act of 2006” (A.4B, passed Assembly) and she will continue to fight for this measure next year. This bill:

	Stems the influence of special interest money on elections
	Levels the playing field for candidates in NYS elections
	Provides matching funds to candidates for statewide office or state Legislature