State Senate GOP: Same as Santorum, Romney, Gingrich
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 03/28/2012 @ 11:00 AM
It’s happening all over again! First, they denied immigrants access to financial aid for higher education. Then they blocked a proven crime-solving tool called bullet micro stamping. They even censored a symbolic resolution to designate a few days in January as Reproductive Rights and Justice Week.
Now, Republicans in the State Senate are putting desperately needed federal dollars at risk and holding hostage the health and well being of all New Yorkers. They have fallen victim to “Obamacare Derangement Syndrome” but the cure is within our grasp.
At a time when too many New Yorkers go without coverage, Albany must act now to create a health care exchange system that fosters greater competition, growth and access. To do anything less would be reprehensible.
Now, Senate Republicans are forcing our Governor to act alone while taking a page out of the playbook of Santorum, Romney, Gingrich and the Tea Party extremists who are right now brazenly attacking equal access to healthcare in the U.S. Supreme Court. These divisive tactics and draconian measures must stop!
Join us as we work to put Democrats back in charge of the State Senate, guarantee equal access to good healthcare and support a more progressive agenda that will protect women's rights, safeguard the environment and ensure that those who can most easily afford it, pay their fair share.
On Track To Take It Back!
By Josh Cherwin on 03/06/2012 @ 08:26 AM
On Saturday, the New York Times highlighted DSCC Chair Senator Mike Gianaris and his work to restore a Democratic majority. While the Senate GOP is huddled behind close doors, trying to gerrymander its way into holding a narrow 2-seat majority, the DSCC is recruiting strong, reform-minded candidates who will compete in every corner of this state.
From Buffalo to Brentwood, our candidates will stand tall for a New York that protects the rights of women to make their own healthcare choices, safeguards the air we breathe and water we drink, and ensures that all workers receive a fair wage for an honest day's work.
Click here to read the full article.
I hope we can continue to count on your support as we prepare to take back the Senate on November 6th!
You pick your Senator, not the Senate GOP!
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 01/27/2012 @ 11:49 AM
Yesterday, Senate Republicans officially returned Albany to its status as the most dysfunctional capital in the nation, dealing a shameful blow to the cause of reform. In a brazen move stolen straight out of the playbook of convicted felon Tom DeLay, millions of New Yorkers were disenfranchised as part of a last ditch Republican attempt to cling to power.
But don’t just take my word for it. Look at what Governor Cuomo’s Office said:
“At first glance, these lines are simply unacceptable and would be vetoed by the Governor. We need a better process and product."
Once again, Senator Skelos and his GOP cronies proved themselves to be the Party of Broken Promises, going back on every pledge made that they would produce fair, non-partisan maps.
But don’t just take my word for it, look at what former NYC Mayor Ed Koch said:
“No surprise, I am disappointed in this result and in the dishonorable lawmakers who openly pledged to do things differently this year, and then reneged when it wasn’t to their political advantage. What a shame: this is not reform in letter or in spirit. Today, victory lies with the Enemies of Reform."
Not surprisingly, this Republican scheme ignores the criteria recommended by Governor Cuomo and good government groups alike. Instead, the lines shamefully and illegally break up communities of interest, significantly vary in population, are not compact and are not even contiguous!
But don’t just take my word for it, look at what Bill Mahoney of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) said:
"The Senate’s maps are clearly the most gerrymandered lines in recent New York history.”
Call Majority Leader Dean Skelos at (516) 766-8383 and tell him you pick your Senator, not him!
Help us stop Republican censorship!
By US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on 01/24/2012 @ 12:55 PM
Across the country, Tea Party extremists are leading a vicious, sustained attack against reproductive rights and equal access to healthcare for women of all ages. I never thought this despicable cause would rear its ugly head in a state like New York, but Republicans in the State Senate have swung open the doors of our government and invited in the worst offenders.
Last week, Democrats led by State Senators Toby Stavisky, Liz Krueger and Andrea Stewart-Cousins introduced a simple resolution seeking only to designate the week of January 22nd as Reproductive Rights and Justice Week. As 3 of only 8 female Senators, they hoped this resolution would encourage public awareness of the challenges all women face when making personal, private health decisions.
In what can only be characterized as outright censorship, the GOP Majority not only refused to accept the resolution but returned it to the Senators with more than 90 percent of the language crossed out. They should be ashamed!
Click here to add your name to our petition telling Republicans in the State Senate to accept this resolution.
New York has a legacy of progressive activism that extends all the way back to its founding and we cannot allow Republicans in the State Senate to use such heavy-handed, draconian measures as they work to push an agenda completely out of touch with the mainstream.
In his State of the State message this month, Governor Cuomo called for the passage of the Reproductive Health Act. I stand with the Governor. I stand with Senators Toby Stavisky, Liz Krueger, Andrea Stewart-Cousins and all the other Democratic Senators who are sponsors of this critical legislation.
Click here to stand with us!
Join me as I work to put Democrats back in charge of the State Senate and support a more progressive agenda that will protect women's rights, safeguard the environment and ensure that those who can most easily afford it pay their fair share.
Help us take back the environment and take back the Senate!
By Josh Cherwin on 10/14/2011 @ 03:00 PM
When it comes to safeguarding the environment for the next generation of New Yorkers, Senate Republicans are flunking!
Instead of fighting to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, these Republicans are cutting backroom deals, handing out special interest giveaways to the worst polluters and rolling in the corporate dough.
On Wednesday, Environmental Advocates of New York gave these Republican Senators an “F” when it comes to keeping New York State green.
No parent would tolerate this report card:
Senator Marty Golden - 55%
Senator Andrew Lanza - 59%
Senator George Maziarz - 59%
Senator Mark Grisaniti 63%
Senator Patrick Gallivan - 55%
Senator Catharine Young - 55%
Senator Michael Ranzenhofer - 50%(the LOWEST in the entire Senate)
Senator John Flanagan: 55%
Senator Charles Fuschillo: 59%
Senator Kemp Hannon: 59%
Senator Owen Johnson: 55%
Senator Jack Martins: 59%
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos: 55%
Senator Lee Zeldin: 55%
Senator William Larkin - 55%
Senator John Bonacic - 59%
Senator Stephen Saland - 55%
Senator Gregory Ball - 63%
Clearly, Senate Republicans don’t believe we have an obligation to preserve the natural resources and open landscapes that make this the Empire State. As New Yorkers we cannot let that stand!
A Democratic Majority in the New York State Senate ensures that we will leave a brighter, greener future to those who come after. Join us today. Help us take back the environment and take back the Senate.
Together, We Made History
By Christine Quinn on 07/07/2011 @ 01:13 PM
Sunday was a special day in New York. Across the State, same sex couples will be able to stand in front of family, friends and loved ones and for the first time, legally say, “I do.” I’m proud to say that Marriage Equality is now a long overdue reality, and that New York has once again renewed its legacy of activism, leadership and advocacy.
In our struggle for social justice, every day New Yorkers along with leaders from government, business, entertainment and sports labored tirelessly to ensure equality for all of us.
On June 24th in the New York State Senate, the roll was called for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Marriage Equality Act. Twenty-nine Democrats stood tall and said “yes” to fairness and freedom.
Many of them have been with us since the beginning, while the attitudes of others have changed and evolved over time. All of them deserve our respect and thanks for choosing to believe and fight back.
As we celebrate this victory, it is important to remember that there is still a great deal of work to be done to improve the quality of life for people throughout this State. The Senate Dems are working tirelessly to make New York more affordable, protect women’s rights, create jobs, establish independent redistricting and safeguard our environment for the next generation.
And we cannot forget the fight for equality for all New Yorkers is far from over. The Senate Democrats continue to stand with us, working to expand civil rights, create more affordable housing and improve healthcare. We must stand with them!
Please join me and support their efforts by making a contribution today! Real change comes when those who want it don’t just wait for it to happen.
Real Progress But Still a Long Way To Go
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 07/07/2011 @ 01:13 PM
Just two weeks ago, we concluded what was truly an historic legislative session in Albany. Together, Senate Dems worked diligently to balance our state’s checkbook while at the same time standing up for the needs of working class New Yorkers. Government must live within its means and we have to make New York more affordable for all its citizens.
I was especially proud to be among the 29 Democrats in the State Senate who stood tall and said “yes” to fairness and freedom, making Marriage Equality a long overdue reality. New York has once again renewed its legacy of activism, leadership and advocacy!
We also took a big step in the right direction by passing new ethics reform legislation. But our efforts to change the way business is done in Albany are far from complete and Senate Republicans want to stick with the status quo.
Just yesterday, they convened a series of mandatory hearings that are the first step in a gerrymandered redistricting process. Months ago, they broke their campaign promise to enact fair and independent redistricting and now, they are brazenly casting aside new laws governing how populations are counted.
Thankfully, Governor Cuomo has reiterated his pledge to continue along the path of reform and veto anything that reeks of traditional gerrymandering. The majority of New Yorkers stand with him!
Join us in our fight to improve the quality of life for people throughout this state. The Senate Dems will continue to work tirelessly to make New York more affordable, protect women’s rights, create jobs, establish independent redistricting and safeguard our environment for the next generation.
Real change comes when those who want it don’t just wait for it to happen.
3 Steps Closer to Equality!
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 06/14/2011 @ 01:43 PM
Yesterday, in what the New York Times called a “victory” for equality, Senate Democrats joined with Governor Andrew Cuomo to bring New York three unprecedented steps closer to becoming the largest state in the nation to pass marriage equality. The finish line is now in sight!
The time to stand up for justice is now! I hope my Republican colleagues will set partisanship aside and join with the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers by standing on the right side of history and providing the final two votes still needed to pass this historic legislation.
The Senate Democrats will continue to push for marriage equality because New York is ready for equality. And recent polls agree – clearly demonstrating that more and more New Yorkers across the state support marriage equality.
Joined by a true champion for equality, Senator Tom Duane, Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson said it best: “Marriage Equality is about basic personal freedom that no person should ever be denied. I’m proud to stand here today as we take three more steps toward equality that I hope will provide the momentum for that final leap we need to deliver equality for all New Yorkers.”
Now is the time to act. New Yorkers should no longer be denied this fundamental right!
Making New York More Affordable
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 06/02/2011 @ 12:43 PM
New York is facing an affordability crisis and if we don’t do better, things are only going to get worse for middle class families. Last week, Senate Democrats led the charge to make New York more affordable by tackling two of the most significant expenses facing families at kitchen tables across the state: housing and energy costs.
To keep families from being priced out of their homes, Senate Democrats used social media to fight for affordable housing for 2.5 million tenants. Broadcast live via Twitter and Facebook, Senate Democrats led an interactive rent forum and rally where hundreds of followers joined their fight to extend and expand rent regulations before the clock runs out on June 15th.
But we aren’t done working to bring relief to families and businesses...
With temperatures climbing and millions of New Yorkers facing rising energy costs, Senate Democrats unveiled a comprehensive energy savings plan to reduce the burden on cash-strapped consumers and provide relief at the gas pump. We can build up our economy by lowering gas prices and establishing New York as the premier site for alternative energy research, development and production.
While Senate Democrats are working to rebuild the middle class, Republicans in Washington and New York are trying to tear it down - attempting to squeeze seniors by gutting Medicare and threatening to cut off affordable housing for millions of tenants.
Enough is enough. We must act now to make New York more affordable so it can remain livable for middle class families.
Join the fight for a more affordable New York and follow Senate Democrats as they stand up for you.
Choice: Women's right to access health services in NY
By Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins on 05/18/2011 @ 12:43 PM
Throughout our history, long journeys have always begun with short but significant steps. Yesterday the Senate Democrats continued the fight for choice, standing with their partners, NARAL ProChoice NY to put an end to the war on women and preserve their right to safe, legal, and affordable health services.
From State Houses to the House of Representatives, an attack has been launched to undermine women’s access to both basic and life-saving health care services.
Senate Democrats stood together to support the Reproductive Health Act – New York’s answer to anti-choice attacks on women’s rights like the Stupak Amendment, the de-funding of Planned Parenthood, or the stripping of private insurance coverage for abortion under the guise of Federal Healthcare Reform.
Yesterday, Senate Democrats said “no” to injustice. And we won’t stop there.
Senate Democrats will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the mothers, wives, daughters, and friends of the pro-choice community in the continuing struggle to protect the reproductive rights of millions of women.
Let’s not allow these essential human rights to be slashed, stripped, or scaled back. Stay tuned for updates on our progress.
Change New York Now!
By Senator Daniel Squadron on 05/09/2011 @ 01:00 PM
Real change comes when those who want it don’t just wait for it to happen. Last week. Senate Democrats launched the first-ever interactive ethics forum to reform Albany.
Despite clear and convincing support for ethics reform by an overwhelming majority of New Yorkers, Senate Republicans continue to stall progress and stand in the way of change. To break the Albany logjam, Senate Democrats convened our own interactive ethics forum broadcast live over the Internet featuring real time communication and participation from the viewer audience via Twitter, Facebook, Livestream, and E-Mail.
The people are disillusioned and disappointed with state government because they see promises being broken and their priorities being ignored. We are bringing the public into the conversation.
Ethics reform is not just about restoring the people’s faith. There are real consequences to doing nothing. Inaction breeds an atmosphere of dysfunction that prevents the Legislature from getting things done on tax relief, job creation, housing, education, health care, and transportation.
If we want to see real change, we are going to have to take real action and that means getting the people involved by giving them an important opportunity to listen, ask questions, and join us in demanding action on vital reforms including:
- Full disclosure of outside income for lawmakers;
- Creating an independent ethics oversight commission;
- Stripping pensions of public officials convicted of misusing their office;
- Ending Pay-to-Play; and
- Restricting the personal use of campaign funds.
Senate Democrats are using new media and social networking tools to open up government and engage New Yorkers in an unprecedented effort to reform Albany.
Our choice is simple: we can sit back and listen to more empty promises or speak up and demand change.
For a more responsive and responsible state government, join our fight for reform at: citizenspeak.org/campaign/nysendems/keep-pledge
Pressure Is Rising
By Josh Cherwin on 04/26/2011 @ 11:43 AM
The Senate Dems are hard at work in an effort to bring about real change to New York. In Western New York, Republican Senator Grisanti was called out as the Senate Dems' number 1 target in the district where there are 82,000 more Democrats than Republicans. Senator Mike Gianaris was in Buffalo laying the groundwork for winning back that seat in 2012.
Senators are also preparing for their return to session next week where they will keep the pressure on for our priorities including: Property Tax Cap, Ethics Reform, and Independent Redistricting.
The overwhelming support for Independent Redistricting across the state continues to grow. When Republican Senators returned back to their districts for their break, they were once again called out for their failure to keep their promise to create an Independent Redistricting Commission this year.
Stay tuned to learn more about how we are keeping our promise to fight for change.
Cleaning Up Albany with True Ethics Reform
By Senator Gustavo Rivera on 04/14/2011 @ 11:43 AM
The State Budget is complete and now comes the hard work: cleaning up Albany.
Last November, a majority of legislators from both sides of the aisle and in both houses made a promise to change how business is done and raise the ethical bar for public officials in New York through ethics reform and independent redistricting.
Keeping Our Promise
Senate Democrats, Governor Cuomo and the Assembly are in agreement – meaningful, effective and lasting ethics reform must:
- Require the full disclosure of outside sources of income, including for legislators who are practicing lawyers (S.382/Rivera).
- Increase transparency and restrictions on the personal use of campaign funds to ensure contributions are used only for elections, not personal use (S.3053/Krueger).
- Strengthen oversight and enforcement for all public officials by giving the Public Integrity Commission the power to investigate the legislature and refer any findings to District Attorneys or the Legislative Ethics Commission for possible action.
Senate Republicans have already reneged on their promise to give New Yorkers independent redistricting; now they appear to be stalling progress on ethics reform. It’s frustrating, but anyone who has watched Albany over the years isn’t surprised. I ran for the Senate last fall on the promise to clean up state government, and that promise will be kept.
Senate Republicans: Do As I Say, Not As I Do
In January of 2009, Senate Republicans killed the most significant ethics reforms in more than a generation. That package was not enough, but it was a good first step. After pressure mounted from the public and good government groups, they relented and joined Assembly and Senate Democrats to pass the plan, only to turn their back on it again two weeks later. They claimed their support changed because the proposal did not go far enough.
Well, now is their chance. Senator Dean Skelos is partner in a law firm with lobbying business before the state. This is his opportunity to keep his promise to voters and pass an ethics reform package which requires full disclosure, strips lawmakers from both sides of the aisle convicted of public corruption of their pensions, and ensures that the Legislature – after decades of working in the shadows – will finally be held accountable to the public.
Senate Republicans Push Through a Backroom Budget
Posted on 03/15/2011 @ 06:43 PM
Today members of the Senate Democratic Conference spoke out against the Republicans fiscally irresponsible budget proposal. Unfortunately, all New Yorkers are getting is more of the same broken promises and costly mistakes taxpayers can no longer afford.
The Senate Democratic Conference Leader, John L. Sampson, stated the following:
“Last month, Governor Cuomo proposed a budget blueprint to change the way business is done in Albany. Senate Republicans passed a budget that was business as usual – unbalanced and unsustainable spending without any way to pay for it.
“New York needs a responsible budget to create good-paying jobs, ensure our children are well educated, reform our health care system, and make New York more affordable for Middle Class families. Instead of meeting that standard and delivering on the Governor’s priorities, the Senate Republican budget protects the wealthy, cuts services to our most vulnerable New Yorkers, and fails to provide the relief our Middle Class families need.
“To hide their fiscal irresponsibility, Senate Republicans pushed through a backroom budget without the public oversight or bipartisan debate New Yorkers deserve anytime their money is being spent. Republicans promised change, but we are learning they don’t keep their word even when given in writing. Unfortunately, all we are seeing is more of the same broken promises and costly mistakes taxpayers can no longer afford.”
Fool me once, shame on you . . .
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 03/14/2011 @ 07:00 PM
Last week, Senate Republicans attempted to silence the people’s voice, using parliamentary maneuvering to prevent a public hearing on Governor Cuomo’s Redistricting Reform Act of 2011. Today, they continued their retreat from reform in a way that was so brazen, they wrapped their broken promises in our State’s most hallowed document – its Constitution.
Here are the simple facts: during last year’s elections, all 32 Senate Republicans signed former Mayor Ed Koch’s reform pledge in support of independent redistricting pursuant to this year’s census. Today, they simply kicked the can down the road another 10 years, only serving to lengthen their more than 40 year record of refusing to change the way business is done in Albany.
The Senate GOP thinks New Yorkers are foolish enough to fall for the same half-measures and empty promises that have been served up in the past. We know better and I need you to stand with me and leaders from around this state, Republican and Democrat alike.
Go to passthepledge.com and join thousands of your fellow New Yorkers in demanding that all 32 Senate Republicans keep their promise and pass the pledge!
It’s time to allow voters to choose their elected representatives instead of allowing Senators to choose their constituents!
GOP Shows No Shame
By Senator Mike Gianaris on 03/09/2011 @ 04:00 PM
In a brazen power grab that slammed the doors of government on the very people we are privileged to represent and muzzled the free and fair debate that defines our democracy, Senate Republicans have once again broken their promise to New York and refused to support independent redistricting. Yesterday, in what could only be described as a gross abuse of the public trust, the Republican Majority shamefully cast aside the rules of the Senate and without even an explanation, summarily rejected a request to give Governor Cuomo’s Redistricting Reform Act of 2011 the public hearing it deserves.
Today the Democrat and Chronicle called out the GOP for their Broken Promise. In their Editorial "Gov. Cuomo needs to hold Senate GOP accountable on redistricting," the Democrat and Chronicle said the following:
Republicans in the state Senate who signed a pledge to support an independent panel to redraw legislative districts lines either think New Yorkers suffer amnesia or they're fools.
That's the only reasonable conclusion that can be made now that they're backing away from the pledge which most of them signed last fall.
Led by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, GOP senators such as Jim Alesi, George Maziarz, Michael Nozzolio and Joe Robach are running away from Gov. Cuomo's redistricting proposal.
Charlie King, the state Democratic Party's executive director, had some fun with the situation Tuesday by passing out so-called "Truth Juice" to GOP senators in Albany. But the truth that their reneging on pledges signed by 54 of 62 senators is no laughing matter.
Is there no honor anymore among politicians? Let's just say it's this kind of flip-flopping that's responsible for their low ratings in virtually every public opinion poll...
During last year’s election, every Senate Republican signed former Mayor Ed Koch’s reform pledge in support of independent redistricting. Now, all of them are not only refusing to keep their own word but they are taking the unprecedented step of preventing any discussion that even mentions the word “redistricting” or relates to what has been called by good government groups the most important piece of reform legislation in our State’s history.
It is clear the GOP will go to any length to avoid scrutiny for breaking a promise they never intended to keep. We cannot let this stand!
Others around the state have also begun to take note: CentralNY.ynn.com: Efforts At Redistricting Reform Raise Ruckus Times Union Video of Sen. Gianaris
GOP Spitting On Reform
By Josh Cherwin on 03/07/2011 @ 06:00 PM
The Senate GOP is still backing away from their promise to support independent redistricting by quietly burying the centerpiece of Governor Cuomo’s agenda to clean up Albany: the Redistricting Reform Act of 2011. The bill is buried in the Senate Rules Committee where it can anonymously avoid public oversight, Senate Democrats today presented and delivered a petition seeking to force a vote and public hearing on the Governor’s legislation.
As a piece on the State of Politics Blog reports, Senators Mike Gianaris and Neil Breslin questioned Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous’call for more time on redistricting while they keep putting other bills on the agenda. One bill on today's agenda would regulate prisoners' spitting. Liz Benjamin's post "Spitting On Reform?" said:
Sen. Mike Gianaris was dispatched by the Democrats to push back against Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous’ call for more time on redistricting reform.
The Queens Democrat, who has championed an independent redistricting commission since his Assembly days, said he finds the majority’s claims of being too focused on the budget to do anything else at the moment disingenuous.
Gianaris noted the Senate is poised to act on a bill today that would prohibit inmates from “throwing, tossing, expectorating or expelling of saliva or other bodily secretion” on prison employees.
“While they have time to regulate spit, they’re spitting on the governor’s top reform proposal,” Gianaris said.
“It’s curious that they claim they don’t have time to deal with anything but the budget, but they have time to regulate prisoners spit.”
At 1 p.m. this afternoon, the Senate Democrats plan to again rattle the GOP’s cage on redistricting reform, delivering the Rules Committee a petition signed by one-third of its members seeking a public hearing on the governor’s bill.
This has been possible since at least the last time the Senate rules were changed back in 2009. A hearing has to be held within two weeks of the petition unless the majority of Rules Committee members vote not to do so.
Whart the Democrats really want here is to get the Senate Republicans on the record voting “no” on redistricting reform – a vote they will no doubt seek to exploit during the next campaign.
In addition to the comments in the below video, Senators from the Democratic Conference had this to say:
Deputy Democratic Leader Neil Breslin said, “Convening a public hearing will allow those members who have voiced concern with the Governor’s legislation the full opportunity to discuss their issues in an open forum, instead of hiding behind an undemocratic legislative process. I invite all of my Republican colleagues on the Rules Committee who intend to keep their promise, to sign this petition and give the Governor’s legislation the open and fair hearing voters deserve.”
Senator Mike Gianaris (D-Queens) said, “With each passing day, the Senate Republicans' cynical plan becomes further exposed. They all promised to support independent redistricting in order to get elected, then ran away from that promise at record speed because it no longer suited their partisan politics. It is Albany politics at its worst and it is shameful. It's time to Keep the Promise and Pass the Pledge.”
Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) said, “We shouldn’t have to keep making excuses for Republican Senator Skelos’ failure of leadership and failure to keep a campaign promise to his constituents and the people of New York. The rules are there to bring order, to pass legislation and make progress happen, not to block it. That’s why I support this petition to bring a vote on Governor Cuomo’s independent redistricting to the floor of the Senate.”
Senator Daniel Squadron (D-Brooklyn/Manhattan) said, “54 out of 62 Senators signed Mayor Koch's pledge to support independent redistricting and other vital reforms. This initiative is too important to let die in a back room. 54 of 62 Senators must be given the opportunity to make good on their pledge.”
Senator Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan/Bronx) said, “Voters elected us to reform Albany and fix the broken status quo that Senate Republicans seem hell bent on preserving. Instead of perpetuating the continuing dysfunction in Albany, Senate Republicans should put aside their political maneuvering and allow debate, sponsorship, and an up or down vote on Governor Cuomo’s independent redistricting proposal. Most of the Senate Republicans joined their Democratic colleagues in supporting Ed Koch’s pledge to pass independent redistricting, but now Republican support in the Senate appears to be more smoke and mirrors from a disingenuous Senate majority.”
Senator Shirley L. Huntley (D-Jamaica) said, “The blatant disregard some New York State Senate members have for Ed Koch’s New York Uprising Pledge is both disrespectful and dishonorable. Senate Republicans who signed the pledge and have continuously said that our state government must be reformed, have now suddenly become quiet, and unmoved, as the Senate Democrats have championed Ed Koch’s mission, and the will of New Yorkers. Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines, as our great state comes through a myriad of fiscal and ethical challenges. We must ensure that New York State government is fair, effective, and transparent and once again be a leading example for other states in our union. Those who choose not to embrace this cause will have failed their constituents, their duties and responsibilities as an elected state official, and most of all the 19 million plus residents of the great state of New York.”
Koch To Call Out Senate GOP as Enemies of Reform
Mar 3, 2011
Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch wrote an Op-Ed today to make it clear that the Senate GOP will be called out as Enemies of Reform if they support a constitutional amendment that wouldn't take effect until 2022. Below is the op-ed written by Mayor Koch: Mayor Koch calls Dean Skelos an enemy of reform: Powerful Albany pol broke his word
Thanks to the heroic efforts of Gov. Cuomo and longtime advocates for reform in the Legislature - in particular, Sens. Michael Gianaris and David Valesky and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries - New York is finally in a position to benefit from real redistricting reform that would result in a more honest and functional state government.
Never before has there been such a strong show of support for this issue from a sitting governor and from a broad group of legislators on both sides of the aisle.
And it's not a moment too soon: The new district boundary lines must be set in time for the elections next year, and any commission will need time to complete its work. This is not an issue of just process or abstract policy - it's the difference between keeping things in Albany the same embarrassing way they are or starting to produce a system of elections and governance we can believe in.
No one is more acutely aware of this time constraint or the choice we face than Dean Skelos, the Senate majority leader.
Last year, Skelos signed my organization's pledge, promising to be part of the effort to redraw district lines in a fair and rational way - to once and for all end the pernicious partisan gerrymandering that reinforces all of Albany's worst habits.
When I met with Skelos in Albany on Tuesday to follow up on his promise, he told me he was withdrawing his support from the effort of my organization, New York Uprising, Then hours later, he released a statement proclaiming that he "wishes to pursue a redistricting reform measure that will meet the Uprising pledge."
What was going on? Does the majority leader support this initiative or not?
According to Skelos, his withdrawal from the Uprising pledge was based on his belief that independent redistricting through legislation is unconstitutional. And so in our meeting, as in his statement, he advocated a state constitutional amendment instead.
Unfortunately, that's merely a diversion on his part. A red herring. Sand in your eyes. It's also a surprising argument from him, since he never raised it during the several times we spoke when he signed the pledge to fight for independent redistricting. Neither did any of his colleagues when I stood with them on the campaign trail.
Indeed, last year Skelos sent a letter accompanying his pledge (available at nyuprising.org). It stated: "Our Republican conference supports . . . independent redistricting in line with what your organization is calling for." The pledge is very specific in its requirements for independence. And the pledge is very specific in calling for legislation to pass this year.
Here's the problem with a constitutional amendment: It's too late. To pass one in New York, it first would have to pass both houses of the Legislature this year. Then, the same amendment would have to pass both houses again sometime after the next legislature is seated in 2013. Then, it would be put to a popular vote as a statewide referendum.
That means any constitutional amendment is probably five years away. The same old, same old system would apply until the next redistricting in 2022, and New Yorkers would have to endure another 10 years of a government that gets away with being unresponsive to their interests. We can't wait that long. New York is a mess now.
Even Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver - who I still believe is one of the ablest people in Albany despite withholding support from Uprising's election-year efforts - met with me in the Capitol to tell me that he will work to pass an independent redistricting bill in time for the 2012 elections. He intends to offer several amendments. That's part of the democratic process.
Our partner, Citizens Union, and its executive director, Dick Dadey, and virtually every other good government organization supports independent redistricting and believes that it's constitutional. So does our reform-minded governor, who made it a cornerstone of his proposed redistricting legislation, and has said repeatedly that he will veto any proposed redistricting that is not independent.
So even if Skelos truly differs on this major point, if he truly supports the principle of independent redistricting, and if he intends to uphold the promise he made, then he should work to pass the governor's bill. Let the courts decide whether it's constitutional.
Legislators who wish to pursue redistricting reform that will meet the Uprising pledge must support legislation that would produce independent redistricting in time for the election next year. Any legislator who supports a constitutional amendment - to the exclusion of the governor's bill - is simply seeking to run out the clock, and will be described by me as an Enemy of Reform in a message to be brought to his or her constituents.
Koch, former mayor of New York, is the founder of New York Uprising.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/03/03/2011-03-03_mayor_koch_calls_dean_skelos_an_enemy_of_reform_powerful_albany_pol_broke_his_wo.html#ixzz1FZq6Y0QC
Read the full article here.
Senate Republicans Already Breaking Their Promise
By Josh Cherwin on 03/01/2011 @ 01:50 PM
New Yorkers want to see real change in Albany; but it's only a few months into the new year and we're seeing the same broken promises from Senate Republicans.
Prior to the 2010 elections, every Republican candidate for State Senate made a promise to work with Democrats to clean up Albany. Less than two months into the start of the new legislative session, those same Republicans are breaking their promise, abandoning the reforms Albany needs and the public expects. Today former Mayor Ed Koch called on Albany legislators to act on their promise and pass a bill for independent redistricting. Members of the NY State Senate Democratic Conference joined him in this effort. The Albany Times Union was there to cover the story. Here's an excerpt from the Capital Confidential blog "Koch: Skelos is reneging on redistricting promise"
...Koch said he had just met with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Long Island, who said he would not back a bill currently wending its way through the Senate because he believes changes to the redistricting process — currently handled by representatives of both legislative houses, and resulting in districts often derided as gerrymandered — require amendments to the state’s constitution.
“We now know where stand, which ain’t too good,” Koch said. “The reason he gives is it’s not constitutional to do this…this is, of course, not acceptable to us. We believe it is simply an effort to derail the operation.”
At its most rapid, a constitutional amendment could not be in place until 2013 — after lines are drawn for the five election cycles starting with 2012.
The former mayor, now 86, traveled the state during the last election cycle to rally support for candidates who agreed to sign on to independent redistricting and other reform measures. Skelos and all members of the Republican conference, publicly, signed onto his pledge.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month submitted a bill to the legislature that would take redistricting out of the hands of legislative leaders, and vowed to veto any lines drawn under the current system.
Cuomo’s bill was introduced in the Assembly by Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan. The sponsor of a similar measure, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, said Silver has “at least expressed an interest in changing the procedure…he’s said he will not stand in the way of reform.”
He expressed that commitment before Cuomo’s State of the State PowerPoint presentation. Koch had once labeled Silver the biggest enemy of reform, but said this when asked: “He’s come a long way. He may be the leader of reform.”
Skelos has blocked Democrats trying to co-sponsor Cuomo’s measure in the Senate. Senate Democrats attacked the Republicans who bounced them from the majority last year as hypocrites. There are more Democrats than Republicans in New York, and Democrats charged that Republicans are clinging to their control of the redistricting to draw lines that will allow them to continue in the majority.
Senate Minority Leader John Sampson said Skelos’ reversal was the “height of hypocrisy” and showed “selective amnesia.” Sen. Mike Gianaris, D-Queens and the sponsor of a bill similar to Cuomo’s, said the Republicans’ new position was “shameful” and a “disgrace.”
“Not since the first President Bush told us to read his lips have we seen a more dramatic turnaround on a campaign promise,” Gianaris said.
Koch’s group, New York Uprising, committed to funding 100,000 robocalls and patch-through calls targeting those standing in the way of the bill. A release on that is after the jump.
Below is a clip of Senator Mike Gianaris at the Koch Press Conference on Independent Redistricting 3/1/2011
Freshman Senators Promote Albany Reforms
By Mike Connery on 01/11/2011 @ 10:50 AM
Four of our freshman Senators, including new DSCC Chair Mike Gianaris, appeared last week on State of Politics with Liz Benjamin. Check out the video as they discuss positive changes in the Democratic conference and promote much-needed Albany reforms.
