Maureen Lane

Pruning the Legislative Branch

A while back, the Brennan Center at NYU Law School published a report on the state of New York State legislative process. The budget procedure that we experience in NY every year highlights some of the frustrating systems that are in place. A lot of groups statewide have joined in a campaign to call legislators to task asking them to democratize the system.

Right now, as the New York Times and other papers note the Governor is making his budget and education spending points and the State Senate Majority Leader, Bruno, is making his and State Assembly's Speaker, Silver, is making his. But for the most part, other legislators are shut out of the process and certainly the voice of the people is very faint in the halls of Albany.

The campaign is organizing a Reform NY Day on May 9, 2006. People from all over the state will gather to demonstrate the growing public concern for reform. In the past year, redistricting , campaign finance, fiscal reform and legislative rules.

Welfare Rights Initiative, Hunger Action Network of New York and many other groups are a part of the campaign. Grassroots advocates are working together to build on our valued notions of inclusion, shared leadership and accountability. We know that real democratic decsion-making requires those directly affected by policy decisions to have meaningful participation in the process. Legislative reform in New York State can get the democratic ball rolling.

Many legislators are coming around. Politicians seem to listen more closely in election years. We are gathering and right now sending invitations to elected Officials (or those that want to be) to join in the discussion. I will write more about the day as it approaches. The campaign organizers are excited for people to join the effort and make change happen. I'll keep posting and let you know which politicians plan to particpate and those that don't.

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Posted at 2:03 PM, Apr 03, 2006 in Democracy | Government Accountability | New York | activists | public services
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