Senate Holds Final Landmark Hearing On Rules Reform In Long Island

(Long Island, NY) - Today, the bi-partisan State Senate Temporary Committee on Rules and Administration Reform held its final public hearing which will usher in a new era of government that will recommend fundamental change to improve the operation of the State Senate. Following the hearings, the Temporary Committee, Co-Chaired by Senators David Valesky (D-Oneida) and John Bonacic (R-Mt. Hope), is expected to introduce a historic rules reform package to make the Senate more accountable, open and representative for the people of New York.

Those who testified about the need for a more participatory and transparent legislative process included Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, as well as representatives of organizations such as Long Island Is for Education Reform, Long Island Progressive Coalition and many
concerned citizens.

“Through these hearings and the work of the Senate Temporary Committee on Rules and Administration Reform, the Senate has taken its first significant steps in decades towards achieving a more open, accountable and inclusive legislative process,” said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith. “By working with all of our colleagues to change the way business is done in Albany, we can restore public confidence in the Senate and show the people of New York that the Chamber belongs to them, not us.”

“Albany still needs fixing,” said Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. “I commend Senator Malcolm Smith, who as his first act as Majority Leader, created this Temporary Committee on Rules Reform to continue bringing more transparency, accountability and due process to the Albany legislative process. These public hearings across the State, which are generating grass roots interest and involvement, reflect his and the Committee’s sincere intentions to bring about positive and necessary reform, including strengthening standing
committees, requiring fiscal impact statements for any action Albany takes, increasing the use of the Internet so interested taxpayers know what’s going on in Albany and giving the members of the Minority – also duly elected by their constituents – a say in what takes place in our Capital.”

For more information, please see the attached press release.