Senator Schneiderman, District Attorney Vance, Assembly Member Kellner Announce Major Reforms to Combat Public Corruption
Eric T. Schneiderman
May 4, 2010
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ISSUE:
- Judiciary
SENATOR SCHNEIDERMAN, DISTRICT ATTORNEY VANCE, ASSEMBLY MEMBER KELLNER ANNOUNCE MAJOR REFORMS TO COMBAT PUBLIC CORRUPTION ALBANY – On the eve of Reform Day in the Capitol, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., State Senator Eric Schneiderman and Assembly Member Micah Kellner today announced the introduction of the Public Corruption Prevention and Enforcement Act, legislation to both prosecute and prevent public corruption in New York State. The wide-ranging legislation closes loopholes in current state law that prevent the prosecution of corrupt schemes, adds tougher rules for member items, implements stronger campaign finance and financial disclosure measures, and fixes a perceived loophole in the Election Law. The Public Corruption Prevention and Enforcement Act would take action in several areas. The bill: ###
Bill Increases Ability of District Attorneys to Prosecute Public Corruption Cases,
Legislative Fixes Close Loopholes, Strengthen Penal Law Crimes
“New York has seen too many examples of public corruption in recent years,” said District Attorney Vance. “We have seen dishonesty at all levels of government, from lower-level public employees to the highest ranks of our government. This legislation will enable local prosecutors to regain their traditional role in rooting out and prosecuting public corruption, and bring honor back to public service.”
“Self-dealing politicians have betrayed the public trust. Given the regularity of scandals, investigations and convictions of elected officials in this state, it is no wonder that the public believes there is one set of rules for the powerful and another for everyone else,” said Senator Eric T. Schneiderman, the lead sponsor of the bill. “We must demand nothing less than the highest level of integrity from our elected leaders. This legislation is exactly the fix we need to combat the corrosiveness of corruption and cynicism so that government can function as a tool to improve people’s lives and strengthen our communities."
“This legislation will put a stop to the seemingly never-ending tide of graft and corruption scandals that flood out of Albany—scandals that reinforce New Yorkers’ perception that all lawmakers are crooks and clowns,” said Assembly Member Micah Kellner, the lead Assembly sponsor. “As long as lawmakers abandon their responsibility to enrich the lives of their constituents in favor of their own wallets, we deserve this reputation. This isn’t the Boss Tweed era, it’s 2010, and our laws should soundly punish those who abuse the public trust.”
“There is no such thing as honest graft," said Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), who has helped sponsor this legislation. "Recent scandals have left the public disgusted with the political process and has distracted Albany from the important business at hand. This legislation will close the loopholes where public corruption has been allowed to fester and hold public officials up to the public's standards."
"The public has a right to expect higher standards from their elected officials," said Senator Liz Krueger. "This bill will make clear that use of one's office for personal benefit is more than a betrayal of the public trust -- it is also a crime."
"I am proud to support Senator Schneiderman on the quest toward more transparency and accountability from, not only our elected officials, but anyone working in public service," said Senator José M. Serrano. "As a strong advocate for reform, I am keenly aware of the urgent need for ongoing scrutiny and the implementation of rules that will encourage high standards of ethical behavior from the civil servants of New York State. This bill will help to prevent corruption and to inspire the public's confidence by ensuring that those who violate their trust are held accountable."
“It is unfortunate that this legislation is necessary, but New York State government needs to restore the public trust. Reform of the system is not just a desirable goal, it is absolutely necessary to root out and prevent corruption, to hold elected officials accountable to the public they serve, and to restore the public’s faith in state government,” said Senator David Valesky.