Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is part of a growing contingent of newer members advocating for reforms to make Assembly operations increasingly transparent and less reliant on seniority.

“Now that we have agreed to move forward and seek new leadership for the Assembly, it is important that we also look at how we can improve the day-to-day operations of the Assembly. It’s always important to continuously consider new ideas to make this chamber, known affectionately as ‘the people’s house,’ as open and democratic as possible,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “I look forward to working with the other reform-minded members on some proposals that we can consider adopting over the coming days.”

Some of the reforms under consideration include term limits for the Assembly leadership positions, like speaker and committee chairs, new procedures for voting on legislation and more equal distribution of resources.

“Periodic reform of Assembly rules will strengthen the public trust and make it easier for all the members to serve their constituents. As a newer member, representing communities in upstate New York, I think it is critical that our next speaker embraces this opportunity to transform the Assembly,” added Assemblyman Santabarbara.