Assemblymember Phil Steck: Time to End the Corruption

“No corruption is acceptable in our state legislature. It disgusts me that some elected officials aren’t acting in the best interests of the people who elected them, nor are they upholding the state constitution they are sworn to protect. Clearly, it is time for real reform.

“Corruption in the state legislature was an issue I pledged to do my part to bring to an end. I am a strong believer that the promises I have made in the past should and will be fulfilled. Anything less would be a disservice to the voters.

“Lawmakers who abuse their power should not be able to draw a pension from the taxpayers they betrayed. I wholeheartedly support pension forfeiture for any official convicted of a felony. I also support the proposal that would make failing to report the suspected corruption of a colleague punishable by a misdemeanor. The citizens of New York deserve better and both of these reforms are a good start to clean up Albany.

“In the four and half months I’ve been on the job, I’ve been impressed with the quality of the vast majority of members of the Assembly. I am pleased to be working with members who are truly interested in public policy, and the quality of the debate on both sides of the aisle has been truly impressive.”