Griffo, Miller, Blankenbush, Buttenschon, Smullen, Picente and Lanigan statement on special election legislation

“Following significant, legitimate and loud public outcry, the Governor and legislative majorities have paused this outrageous legislation. However, we believe that this bill should be stricken outright as it will disenfranchise nearly 800,000 residents in the 21st Congressional District.

 

The majorities and Governor say that this legislation will save the state money and entice more people to vote. But New Yorkers know better, especially as unsustainable and fiscally irresponsible state budgets continue to be the norm and there has not been a substantial increase in voter turnout despite election changes passed by the Legislature and signed into law.

 

New Yorkers know that this brazen political proposal is nothing more than a poor attempt to impede Congress and score political points at their expense. 

 

They know that it severely limits access to important services, resources and support for residents and communities across the congressional district, as well as representation for critical national defense assets such as the Air Force Research Lab in Rome and Fort Drum in Jefferson County.

 

And they know that they deserve better from their state government than to have their voices silenced because of partisan politics.

 

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s nomination has already passed through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and she is expected to be confirmed. The replacement process has existed for over 100 years. Further delaying the special election for her seat is completely unnecessary and is a political maneuver that hurts the constituents in her congressional district by denying them representation in Congress.”

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