Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) expressed frustration after a series of resolutions drafted to reshape and reform procedure in the Assembly chamber were rejected today by the Assembly Majority.

“Our conference’s proposed reforms would have ushered in a new era of openness, transparency and accountability in the Assembly chamber,” said Palmesano. “Instead, the same Assembly Majority that promised big changes following Sheldon Silver’s resignation is following his playbook almost exactly – reject change, consolidate power, and block reform.”

The most critical rules change backed by Palmesano would have enacted eight-year term limits for the speaker, the Minority and Majority leaders, and all committee chairs. “Many of the ongoing ethical issues in the Majority could have been avoided if individuals like Assemblyman Silver were prevented from consolidating power over the course of decades,” said Palmesano.

To promote transparency, Palmesano advocated for all committee hearings to be streamed on the Assembly website. He also wants each member of the chamber to be able to bring one bill to the floor each session for an up-or-down vote.

Palmesano also had high praise for a measure that would have ensured the Majority did not abuse the “message of necessity” provision that the governor employed to hastily pass the SAFE Act. Palmesano would prefer that messages of necessity only be used during emergencies.

In total, the rules changes amounted to 17 proposals submitted as 13 separate resolutions to increase transparency, accountability and equality in the chamber.

“These reform items would have democratized our chamber and empowered rank-and-file members from both parties. How can we restore trust in the legislature when our own chamber is governed by such obviously flawed rules? The Assembly Majority missed a critical opportunity today to join our conference in the fight for accountability and good government,” said Palmesano.