CURRAN SAYS ASSEMBLY DEMS PUNT ON A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE ETHICS IN ALBANY

Statement from Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook – 21st A.D.)

“Yesterday, the Assembly passed roughly 42 rules changes proposed by the Democrats that change the way our house in the Legislature operates. With close to 90 percent of voters saying that ethics is a serious issue in Albany, instead of moving the ball down the field, the Assembly Democrats punted on a great opportunity to address real ethics issues. At the start of this legislative session, my Assembly Republican colleagues and I introduced 11 rules changes for the Assembly that would have made the chamber more transparent, accountable, and representative of all New Yorkers throughout the state – but these were defeated and blocked by the Assembly Democrats. In today’s rules changes, the Democrats adopted a few of our proposals, including the recording of committee votes, floor amendment votes, and broadcasting of committee meetings (by audio or video).

“Today’s rules changes were nothing earth-shattering or controversial, but I supported them because any step toward reform is necessary. But, at a time when voters are demanding change, accountability and transparency from their government, the Assembly Democrats failed miserably and missed a giant target. It should be clear to taxpayers in November who is in favor of real ethics reforms and who is not.”

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