Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) today joined a bipartisan effort to promote the S.O.L.E. Act (A.2747), which would ensure that the voices of all New Yorkers are heard and would reduce the role that special interests play in state government. The legislation would expand the democratic process and allow bills that may not otherwise be debated to make it out of legislative committees.

“This year’s legislative agenda in the Assembly has been controlled by the New York City-dominated leadership, from the NY SAFE Act to anti-tourism boating legislation, to legislation that would devastate our small family farms. Unfortunately, this persistent focus on downstate ideas causes economic inequality and over-taxation that has caused New York to lead the nation in taxes, fees and regulations. Enacting the S.O.L.E. Act would ensure that the downstate dominance that has become the norm in the Assembly would be replaced with inclusive proposals that benefit residents statewide,” said Goodell.

If enacted, the S.O.L.E. Act would require the legislature to consider at least one piece of legislation from each legislator without the bill being blocked by the downstate Majority leadership. This year, the legislation is sponsored by members of the Assembly Minority Conference and the Senate Independent Majority Conference.

A copy of the joint release is below.

A bipartisan group of state legislators today joined Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C,I-Webster) and Senator Diane Savino to promote the SOLE Act (A.2747/S.2519). The Sensible Opportunity for Legislative Equality Act allows each member of the state Assembly and state Senate to bring one piece of legislation of statewide significance to the floor for a vote each term. This is what they have to say about the landmark legislation:

“Our democracy was built upon the guarantee that the people would choose the men and women who would represent them in their government. When a legislator is denied the ability to bring a piece of legislation to the floor for a vote, it disenfranchises the citizens in their district,” said Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua). “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that every state legislator will have an equal chance to effectively represent the families and small businesses in their home district and enable an honest, up-or-down vote on measures that would make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

“I think this measure is well intended to reform the way Albany operates,” said Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece). “Currently, the rules that govern passage of most legislation through the state Assembly are restrictive and less generous, with regard to what bills can pass through a committee and what bills can be debated. By the same token, however, these rules are what protect us from potentially harmful legislation. I support this bill because it contains good ideas. It would give legislators from all regions of the state a chance to bring an idea forward and have it vetted through the legislative process without it being stifled in committee.”

"The Assembly is the people's house, and the people deserve to have their voice heard," said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C,I-Brooklyn/Staten Island). "The legislature's inaction regarding the handling of the Vito Lopez sexual abuse scandal has highlighted the negative impact unilateral, iron-fisted rule has on state government, Now, more than ever, we need fresh ideas and new perspective to move our state forward, and that's what this legislation will accomplish."

“This year’s legislative agenda in the Assembly has been controlled by the New York City-dominated leadership, from the NY SAFE Act to anti-tourism boating legislation, to legislation that would devastate our small family farms. Unfortunately, this persistent focus on downstate ideas causes economic inequality and over-taxation that has caused New York to lead the nation in taxes, fees and regulations. Enacting the S.O.L.E. Act would ensure that the downstate dominance that has become the norm in the Assembly would be replaced with inclusive proposals that benefit residents statewide,” said Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua).

“The SOLE Act gives legislators an unfiltered voice; a way to express their concerns for the constituents they represent in a democratic fashion,” said Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (R,C,I-New Hartford). “Representatives deserve to openly debate the issues their communities face, without needing days, months or even years to cut through bureaucratic red tape. This is the first step in breaking the deadlock that partisan politics has created in Albany. Give legislators the voice they were elected to carry for the people of New York State.”

Assemblyman Mark Johns first introduced the SOLE Act in 2012 and re-introduced it earlier this year. He claims that this legislation could be the most significant reform bill in a generation. Johns and his colleagues urge legislative leaders to bring A.2747 and S.2519 to their respective floors for a vote before the scheduled end of session.