Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,TCN-Deerpark) today applauded the passage of legislation in the house that strips pension and retirement benefits from lawmakers who are convicted of felonies related to their official duties. The legislation requires statewide approval by referendum but has been championed by members of the Assembly Minority Conference for many years.

“This is an important step in beginning to drain the swamp of corruption that has embroiled Albany for far too long,” Brabenec said. “Lawmakers who abuse the public trust should never ride off into the sunset on the backs of taxpayers, and this law will serve as a deterrent to those who conduct their business outside the scope of the law. I am glad we are one step closer to this measure finally becoming law, but it could’ve come far sooner had Assembly Majority and big labor interests not blocked this bill for several years.”