Statement from Brian Sampson of Unshackle Upstate Regarding Senate Reform Measures

ALBANY, NY (07/16/2009)(readMedia)-- --

"The reform measures passed in the early morning hours by the New York State Senate are indeed a good achievement and a big step in the right direction. Unshackle Upstate has pushed for rule changes that would make the state's legislative process more transparent and provide leadership positions to elected representatives from upstate, as well as downstate, so all of New York can be adequately represented."

The following actions taken by the Senate are historic and will make it more open, effective and fair:

• Leadership and committee chairwill be term limited to eight years;
• Members will have greater ability to bring bills to a vote;
• The Active List will be published by 8 p.m. the prior evening or two hours after session ends the prior day (whichever is later);
• Committee membership will be proportional to each conference's representation in the Senate as a whole;
• Committee chairs and ranking members will be able to hire their own committee staff, independent of leadership;
• Committee Meetings and hearings will be recorded and webcast;
• Chamber proceedings will be archived and accessible through the web site;
• There will be a joint resolution with the Assembly to create a legislative cable channel, which will broadcast session and joint hearings; and
• A more equitable distribution of Senate resources will provide individual senators with greater ability to effectively serve and represent their constituents.

"Nevertheless, it is important to note that lawmakers must continue working this session to pass meaningful legislation that helps upstate taxpayers and businesses repair the damage inflicted by the Deficit Reduction Plan (DRP) and the final enacted state budget. In addition, Assembly members must pass similar reforms that are not currently in their house.

The state's leadership must address numerous vital economic development initiatives such as Tax Increment Financing legislation and property tax relief, and they must allow for the authorization of financing assistance for "civic facilities" through Industrial Development Agencies."

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Unshackle Upstate is a bi-partisan coalition represents more than 45,000 employers with approximately 1.5 million workers in every region of upstate. The coalition's website www.unshackleupstate.com provides a direct way for citizens to send a message to elected officials in Albany.

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