One of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano’s (R,C,I-Corning) top ethics reform provisions passed the state Assembly today.

The legislation would strip taxpayer-funded pension and retirement benefits from politicians who abuse the public trust and are subsequently convicted of felony corruption charges.

Palmesano has championed the bill for years. It passed both houses of the Legislature during the final hours of last year’s Legislative Session. It passed both houses of the Legislature again today, and it will be sent directly to voters for approval on the ballot this November.

“Our state government has been scarred by scandal and corruption for far too long. This Constitutional Amendment will help ensure that any public official who chooses to use their position to take advantage of the taxpayers and violate the public’s trust will no longer be guaranteed a state pension funded by the taxpayers. I am confident voters will deliver us a mandate to continue to reform Albany and to continue to fight corruption by passing this Constitutional Amendment,” said Palmesano.