Write a commentAssemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) again urged meaningful reform in Albany today following a press conference calling for the passage of the “Spirit of ’76” legislation. This bill (A8658) allows for any piece of legislation that has garnered the sponsorship of 76 members of the Assembly and 32 members of the Senate—regardless of party affiliation—to bypass committee and move to the floor for a debate and an up-or-down vote.
Assembly members joined with Janice Grieshaber-Geddes, a Manlius mother, who discussed the tragic story of “Jenna’s Law.” Grieshaber-Geddes advocated for the passage of “Jenna’s Law” to end parole for first-time violent felons after her daughter, Jenna Grieshaber, was murdered by a parolee in Albany. Former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver blocked “Jenna’s Law” from coming to the Assembly floor despite it being supported and sponsored by 130 out of 150 Assembly members.
“So many times, great bills get hung up in committees because the Speaker ultimately controls what gets to the floor for a vote,” said Barclay. “‘Jenna’s Law’ is just one tragic example of how one powerful leader can defy the will of the majority and hold up critical legislation. It’s unacceptable, and it needs to change now. This bill is one of many reforms my colleagues and I are putting forth this session that would allow rank-and-file members, and ultimately, the public to have more of a voice in Albany.”
The press conference today follows an effort last week Barclay and his colleagues made to get meaningful reform passed in the Assembly by introducing resolutions that would reform Albany. All resolutions were soundly defeated by the majority in a partisan vote.
“The Assembly Democratic Majority, despite what they say in the press, has no real motivation to change the status quo. I will continue to fight for meaningful reform to try and prevent crimes committed by former Speaker Sheldon Silver from happening again,” concluded Barclay.
