Normally this week I would write about what priorities I have for the upcoming legislative session.  That will have to wait as my focus for the past several months has and remains how the next legislative session is actually going to be conducted.  As most who have visited the New York State Capitol in the pre-COVID times can attest, it can be quite the spectacle to say the least especially when busloads after busloads of visitors empty out on State Street and Washington Avenue from all over the Empire State and beyond.  Needless to say, as the pandemic still ebbs and flows we need to be thoughtful on how the legislative session is conducted to ensure that it is done safely.

First and foremost as one of three legislators whose only office is the Legislative Office Building (LOB)/Capitol I can speak to the daily run of show both in the LOB and the State Capitol during session days (which are high volume days) and non session days (most members and their staffs are back in their home districts).  By the way, Assemblymember Pat Fahy and Senator Neil Breslin are the other two legislators whose only office is in Albany. Prior to the pandemic, during legislative session days, it was in effect a free for all.  Thousands would descend on Albany to make their pitch/lobby on the issues that are important to them.  That is democracy of course and we support that and all that comes along with it.

However, with the surge in COVID-19 cases, it is apparent for EVERYONE’S health and safety that we consider some protocols to make sure everyone has a safe and productive legislative session. Now I should mention here that EVERYONE means the following – members, their staff, leaders staff, executive staff, and of course – visitors!  A common sense approach which is being picked up in other state capitols is to require one of the following for entrance into the LOB and Capitol – proof of vaccination of the required COVID-19 vaccine doses OR proof within one day prior of a negative COVID-19 test. The vaccines are readily available and for those not yet vaccinated or hesitant, a COVID-19 test option is not a heavy lift.  Matter of  fact, the state could set up a free COVID-19 test site on the concourse that can provide a rapid test results in 15 minutes.  To me this is the safest manner to promote safe entry and exit into the LOB and Capitol for everyone.

Chamber wise, I do believe the Assembly should adopt a Roll Call vote process we have invoked the last two years which allows for bills we know are pretty much unanimous to be voted on in a quick manner vs dragging out what can take 20 minutes to be over 4 hours.  The Senate has had this process in place for years and the Assembly should make it permanent as part of it’s rules to allow for work to get done but also reallocate some time towards debate which has been limited in the past due to the rules. Additionally the Senate allows for party votes which in essence means one signs in and provided you are fine with the list of bills that day, one need not be in the chamber to vote Yes however must come in to vote no.  As you can tell by my comments the expectation is that we will not be virtual this year but in fact expected to be in Albany to conduct session in person, which is the way it should be.  Currently Congress does allow proxy voting so members do not have to be there however I do not think that is appropriate at this time nor necessary.

I also believe long-term we need to enhance security at the LOB, much like it is at the Capitol.  When I travel to NYC or other states for legislative business one does not access the legislators office unless they have an appointment.  This is the process to a degree at the Capitol but I think it should be the practice at the LOB and enhanced at the Capitol for a couple of reasons.  First, individuals travel great distances to meet legislators and with an appointment the visit is almost guaranteed. I say this because in the past there have been some groups that thrive on showing up at legislators offices in mass to disrupt meetings legislators or their staff are having with constituents or visitors.  This is just unfair and not civilized to be honest.  I work hard to make sure everyone who wants to meet has that opportunity; however, there have been more than enough occurrences where meetings are disrupted because of non scheduled visitors, most of whom are not from the legislative district but are exercising their freedom to express their views. I am fine with the freedom to express views, but not over those who have prepared and taken the time to make an appointment.  Hence the need for a check in system at the LOB and an enhanced system at the Capitol. It only makes sense and is the right thing to do to make sure everyone has an opportunity to express their views.

Those are a few thoughts to help make sure this upcoming legislative session is safe and productive for everyone.  Currently the executive and legislative leadership are reviewing plans and I hope some of the ideas presented above are considered. Time will tell as the legislative session starts January 5th with the Governor’s State of the State Address.