(Long Island, NY) Today, several good government groups convened in the Capitol to pressure the majorities of both houses to address the ethics issues in Albany, joining voices with Assembly Republicans who have introduced several measures to bring openness and transparency to government operations in Albany. Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) released the following statement:
“It is well documented that Assembly Democrats have shot down ethics reform at every turn. The rampant corruption and secrecy that has become the status quo in Albany is unacceptable. Legislative leaders are allowed to amass and wield nearly unlimited power and influence policy that is in their best interest while ignoring the needs of New Yorkers. Enforcing term limits for these leaders will stop that from happening.
“We must also put an end to ex-politicians, who are now behind bars, collecting pensions and retirement benefits on the taxpayers’ dime. Last year we saw two legislative leaders convicted of felonies related to their political positions and both remain eligible to collect their pensions. It is an embarrassment that so many hardworking New Yorkers cannot afford to contribute to their own retirements, but their hard-earned money pays for the retirement of individuals who betrayed their trust.”
