A statement from Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I – East Patchogue)
(Long Island, NY) “I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to support the ‘Spirit of ‘76’ bill. This bill would allow any legislation that has at least 76 sponsors in the Assembly or 32 sponsors in the Senate, more than half of each chamber, to automatically be brought to the floor for debate.
“Too often, the Albany “rules” put too much power into the hands of too few. An elected official’s ability to properly serve his or her constituents should not be limited based on the letter behind their name. The Assembly speaker, Senate majority leader, and governor wield all of the power in our legislative process, leaving many members of both houses powerless against the will of these leaders. No single representative, whether in a leadership position or not, should be able to hold up legislation that is sponsored and supported by a majority of the members.
“There is no reason that legislation supported by over half of the Legislature should not, at the very least, get to the floor for debate. I am proud to sponsor this bill, as it offers parity and upholds the very core of the democratic process, allowing all elected officials to effectively represent their constituents.”
