Murphy's term limits bill passes Senate

ALBANY, NY - While running for office, State Senator Terrence Murphy promised to vote for term limits. This week, he had the opportunity to do just that.

Although unlike the Assembly, the Senate rules already provide term limits for legislative leaders, the Senate voted to approve a bill cosponsored by Murphy which would codify that as law and enforce term limits on leadership positions in both houses of the legislature.

"George Washington voluntarily relinquished power after eight years," Murphy said. "If it was good enough for him, it is more than enough for Albany. This is just the first step in cleaning up the cesspool."

This legislation would enforce eight year term limits for the Assembly speaker, temporary President of the Senate and minority leaders of both houses. It would also apply to committee posts by not allowing members to chair an individual committee for longer than eight years.

"I believe this legislation is a pivotal first step in reforming Albany," Murphy said. " We must restore your faith in our ability to effectively govern without violating the trust you have put in us. This also ensures entrenched leadership does not monopolize the legislative process and will allow for fresh new ideas to take charge of our State Legislature."