The Record - Take part in effort to reform New York
Take part in effort to reform New York

That’s why a coalition of reform groups - working together under the umbrella of the New York Public Interest Research Group - is sponsoring “Reform NY” Lobby Day on Tuesday at the state Capitol in Albany.
The coalition is seeking serious exploration of major flaws in the ethics laws, campaign financing, redistricting, budget and rules of legislative procedure. On this day, organizations and individuals from across the state will converge on the Capitol for a rally, addresses from candidates, and lobbying visits to individual legislators’ offices.
The Legislature likes to claim reform is a major goal, but the truth is, political infighting and partisan bickering blocks a lot of meaningful efforts.
For instance, the claim this year is that budget reform has resulted in two consecutive on-time budgets. That’s debatable, as this year’s budget may yet end up in the courts.
Redistricting is a joke. Rules allow the powers that be to redraw boundaries to favor their political affiliates.
Ethics laws have gotten tighter, but there are still gaping loopholes throughout the system, and a legislative procedure that allows three men to control hundreds of millions of dollars at will or whim clearly needs to be restructured.
We believe that the time is right this year for our lawmakers, the gubernatorial candidates and the public to participate in “Reform NY” lobby day Tuesday.
Our legislators love to fall back on the length of the budget process as an excuse for accomplishing little else during session. OK. The legislature has passed a budget, the governor has issued his vetoes, and the whole situation may still end up in the courts. So be it. It’s time for legislators to move on and tackle the issue of reform before adjourning this legislative session.
Showing up at the Capitol on Tuesday is one way to put a face on your vote. However, if you can’t attend, send a letter, an email or make a phone call to our state leaders and gubernatorial candidates expressing your desire for real reform.
Help “Reform NY” lobby day be the start of a new reform movement, not just more of the same old same old.

I wish I could be there..