Serino Supports Term Limits for Legislative Leadership

SERINO SUPPORTS TERM LIMITS FOR LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP

ALBANY,NY—Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) announced today that legislation critical to reforming ethics in state government passed in the Senate today. Serino co-sponsored the bill, introduced by Senator Joseph Griffo (R, C, I—Rome), (S. 2722B) which would set into law eight-year terms limits for leadership positions in the Senate and Assembly and limit the number of consecutive years a legislator can serve as a committee chair or party leader.

“I came to Albany to shake things up,” said Senator Serino when commenting on the bill’s passage. “As a newly elected State Senator, I understand first-hand the value in this legislation. It sends the message that change is good and promotes better government by refusing to perpetuate the idea that it will always be ‘business as usual’ in Albany.”

The bill would limit the tenure of the Temporary President of the Senate, Speaker of the Assembly, and minority leaders of both houses to eight years. Legislative committee chairs would also be limited to serving no more than eight consecutive years.

The measure is consistent with the Senate Rules which Senator Serino supported upon her arrival in Albany.

“Literally, the very first thing I voted on as a State Senator were these rules and I cannot stress their importance enough,” said Senator Serino. “It is absolutely critical that we restore the public’s faith in their government and passing this bill today not only sets a great precedent going forward,  but tells you just how serious our house is about ethics reform. I urge my colleagues in the Assembly to join us in supporting this measure.”

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

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