Statement From Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson, President Malcolm A. Smith, Majority Leader Pedro Espada And Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein

The state’s 19.5 million residents deserve a government that they can trust and be proud of, and to meet that goal our state needs a tough, new plan to make sure state leaders act responsibly and honestly. These reforms demonstrate that the Senate Democratic Majority is focused not on special interests, but solely the public interest; more specifically, creating jobs, controlling government spending, providing property tax relief and improving educational opportunities for our children. We have achieved more reforms over the last 12 months than what was achieved over the past 40 years, and are pleased to finally be forging ahead on substantive reforms that will ensure New York remains the Empire State.