Despite the legislative leaders’ refusal to put ethics reform items in the state budget this year, I will continue to fight for the legislation throughout the remainder of session. As we watch United States Attorney for the Southern District, Preet Bharara’s investigation into the Buffalo Billion unfold, as well as his investigation into New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, we can see that corruption has entangled every aspect of our government. While that may be good for business for the US Attorney, it certainly isn’t good business for taxpayers or for those of us interested in reform.

My agenda for reform would be common sense anywhere outside of Albany. The first point is simple: If you are an elected official and you have abused the public trust, and have been convicted of a felony abuse of power, the public shouldn’t have to fund your pension. Your abuse of the taxpayer dime should be over the day that judge bangs the gavel and the jury declares your guilt. I am the proud sponsor of Assembly Bill 4659, which would strip corrupt politicians of their taxpayer-financed pension. Sheldon Silver abused taxpayers for over two decades; they shouldn’t still be writing him checks.

The second agenda item is to term limit those in power in the Legislature. No one man or woman should be able to accrue the level of power Sheldon Silver did over two decades. If eight years in power is good enough for the President of the United States, eight years of power should be more than sufficient for the Speaker of the New York State Assembly. Our state should be doing all it can to not create a permanent political class that retains every ounce of power it can over decades. I also sponsor Assembly Bill 4617, which would limit all legislative leaders to eight years in power. From the Speakership to committee chairs and ranking members, everyone regardless of political affiliation would be limited in their power.

The last point in my agenda is to limit the size and scope of government power. When government is involved in every aspect of our lives, it dictates the rule, and it allows for the political class to have undue say. A government that is truly limited cannot sell influence it does not have. If we are to follow the founders’ vision for government we will have less corruption because the government won’t have a say or any influence at all in fields that seem to repeatedly get it in trouble.

This is about taking bold action that threatens the very people who stand to benefit from the established political class. I’m going to need your help. Please voice your support to my office; we’d love to have you stop by to discuss Albany’s ethics issues or any other local or statewide issue. Please call my hometown office at 716-655-0951 or drop by 411 Main Street in East Aurora. I can also be reached at dipietrod@nyassembly.gov.