On July 21, 2004, the Brennan Center released The New York State Legislative Process: An Evaluation and Blueprint for Reform. The report concludes that New York's legislative bodies discourage rank-and-file lawmakers from participating fully in the legislative process and, in turn, deprive citizens of full representation in Albany. In New York State, representative democracy is alive in name more than reality.

Since the report's release, all of New York's major daily newspapers, from upstate and downstate, have used their editorial pages to call the public's attention to the report's findings. More than 30 organizations from across the political spectrum have endorsed our package of reforms. A statewide campaign to reform the legislative process in Albany has begun. On this Web page, you can access our full report, review our recommendations, read the editorials, and join the campaign.

The report's findings are based on quantitative, historical and comparative data developed through analysis of all "major" laws enacted in New York from 1997 through 2001, interviews with sitting members of New York's Assembly and Senate and their staff, and a national telephone survey of other states.

The New York State Legislative Process: An Evaluation and Blueprint for Reform

Recommendations

Key Documents:

Report
Executive Summary
Recommendations
Stringer Rules Reform Resolution
Stringer Rules Reform Sponsors Updated as of November 24, 2004
Stringer Rules Reform FAQs



Press Releases:

Business, Advocacy & Citizen Groups Across the State Demand Rules Reform in Albany (11/22/04) NEW!


Assemblymembers Scott Stringer, Sam Hoyt And Fifteen Other Majority Members Introduce Landmark Assembly Rules Change (9/28/04)


New Report: New York's Legislative Process Most Dysfunctional in Nation (7/21/04)



Press Coverage:

Editorials & Op-Eds
News Stories



Supporting Organizations:

List of Supporters Updated as of November 24, 2004
Statements of Support