(Albany, NY) -Today Senator José M. Serrano and his colleagues in the Senate Democratic Conference put forth a package of legislative proposals designed to root out corruption and restore public confidence by closing current loopholes and creating tougher penalties for crimes committed.

"Throughout my career I have fought for increased reform and transparency in government. The ethics package that we in the Democratic Conference put forth today will help root out corruption and restore public confidence in State government by strengthening campaign finance rules, increasing transparency, and punishing those who abuse their position in government. I applaud our Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and all my colleagues who introduced legislation today, for their unwavering commitment to ethics reform, and I look forward to passing this legislative package as soon as possible."

Serrano, who serves as Chair of the Senate Democratic Conference, has long advocated for government reform, including increased transparency and accountability in the legislature. He is the sponsor of bill S920, which would empower state agencies to oversee the spending of member items, require them to publicly report on the usage of distributed funds, and increase the transparency of the process.

CLICK HERE for more information on the bills presented today.