http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog Guiding True Political Reform in the State of New York Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:34:15 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Responsible New York supports the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act proposed by Governor Paterson.  This legislation will provide the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) with greater operational independence through measures that will eliminate burdensome overregulations on contracting, procurement, land ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/responsible-new-york-urges-legislature-to-pass-governor-paterson%e2%80%99s-public-higher-education-empowerment-and-innovation-act/ The number of reform advocates is growing right here in western New York.   Tea Party activists showed up to protest the appearance of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver at a fundraiser in downtown Buffalo on Thursday, January 28th.  Silver never showed up even though he was the headliner for the $2,000-per-head fundraiser ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/tea-party-activists-protest-silver-in-buffalo/ The Speaker of the Assembly for sixteen years, Sheldon Silver, was quoted in an Albany Times Union article responding to the speculation that New York’s high taxes are a significant contributing factor as to why people are leaving the state.  His statement:   “Do we have evidence that anybody has moved out ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/sheldon-silver-is-out-of-touch/ Published: January 11th, 2010 BY GERALD BENJAMIN AND MARIO CUOMO Recently published year-end retrospectives universally agree: State government in New York reached a new low of dysfunction and nonperformance in 2009. Cries were heard from every quarter: Throw all the rascals out. But in truth, only a state constitutional convention can ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/albany-times-union-op-ed-convene-to-fix-constitution/ Passing a Legislative Ethics bill would bode well with the public. Unfortunately, the current bill is lacking in several aspects of necessary reform.   On February 1, Governor Paterson vetoed the Legislative Ethics Bill A9544 / S6457, citing many deficiencies that fail to improve current law.   “It is time to try a ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/governor-paterson-vetoes-legislature%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9cseriously-flawed%e2%80%9d-ethics-bill/ You've heard about the reforms that the Senate's bi-partisan caucus passed.  What are your ideas?  How do we reform the Senate?  What else in New York (we know it's almost everything but where should we start)?  Tell us what you think. http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/how-would-you-reform-new-york-state-government/ RNY launched a new media campaign encouraging Senator's to say yes to reform.  You can watch the video on our website HERE. You can help by calling your senators and asking them if they care more about their constituents or about the special interests.  Tell them it's time they cared about ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/rny-launches-media-campaign/ You can watch the Senate leadership vote HERE. http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/watch-senate-leadership-vote/ Five years ago, the Brennan Center at NYU called New York’s Legislature the “most dysfunctional” legislature in America.   This report was widely reported throughout the state.  Business leaders read it.  Labor leaders read it.  Voters and politicians read it and nothing changed. Statewide elections came and went. Candidates quoted the ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/statement-from-tom-golisano/ The changes in the Senate will have at least one important and immediate consequence: sweeping rule reform. Here is a brief overview: - The majority leader has a six-year term limit. - Eight-year terms for committee chairs and rankers. - No proxy voting, no ayes without recommendation (only in Albany would having to show ... http://www.responsiblenewyork.com/blog/more-on-senate-rules-reform/