Common Cause/NY Supports Extending Length of Terms for NYS Legislators

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NEW YORK, NY (06/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Today, Senator Tony Avella introduced a resolution, which passed the State Senate, to extend the length of state legislative terms from two years to four. Common Cause/NY is supportive of the bill and has written a memo detailing its merits (attached).

Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY, issued the following statement:

"The current system keeps lawmakers in perpetual campaign mode. It seriously limits their ability to identify and become knowledgeable about the issues, which will most directly impact their constituents.

The savings to the public from cutting the number of state elections in half is obvious, although this factor alone is not determinative. Positive benefits would also accrue from reducing the amount of money, which legislators have to raise to campaign, allowing them a greater degree of independence from campaign donors.

By extending term limits, legislators would be able to spend more time governing and less time campaigning. An increased emphasis on governing over campaigning can help legislators regain the trust and esteem of the public."