Senator Kennedy Calls Senate Republicans’ Plan to Increase the Size of the Senate ‘Government Waste’, ‘Political Ploy’

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, D-58th District, called Senate Republicans’ proposal to increase the size of the Senate a clear example of “government waste” and a “hypocritical political ploy” intended to serve the Republican Majority politicians at the expense of New York taxpayers.

“The Senate Republicans’ move to grow the size of the Senate is a hypocritical political ploy which puts their own self-interest ahead of the concerns of the people of New York State. It’s a clear example of government waste. After going back on their word for independent redistricting for 2012, they now want to grow the size of government at a time when families and seniors have been forced to tighten their belts and endure reductions to critical services.

“Besides this political move being a violation of our State Constitution, the people of Western New York recognize this plan for what it is – a needless waste of taxpayer dollars.

“Since before I took office, we have been calling for independent, non-partisan redistricting. This attempt to expand the Senate is exactly the reason why we need to pry the district-drawing pen out of the clenched fists of incumbent legislators and give the redistricting responsibilities to an independent commission that will abide by our State Constitution and take politics out of the process.

“Over the last year, our state government shed its dysfunctional ways and took important steps forward to deliver real progress for New Yorkers. The Senate Republicans’ attempt to grow the Senate by squeezing a new seat into the Capital Region is a step backward for our state, and it’s an illustration of why the hardworking men and women of New York State have been frustrated with their government.

“We need to focus on improving the efficiency and reducing the costs of our government, rather than increasing its size for purely political motivations. I hope my legislative colleagues in Western New York will join me in opposing the Long Island leadership’s plan to grow the size of the Senate.”

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Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 58th District, which is comprised of the towns of Cheektowaga, Eden, Hamburg and West Seneca, the city of Lackawanna and parts of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at kennedy.nysenate.gov.