Resources
NY Reform
Study Presents New York State Senate with First Test on Reform
In an update to reports released in 2004 and 2006, the Center’s study finds that the legislative process in Albany remains broken, and offers concrete recommendations for reform.
Press Releases
– 01/05/09
Still Broken: New York State Legislative Reform 2008 Update
Still Broken: New York State Legislative Reform is the 2008 update of the Brennan Center’s 2004 and 2006 reports on the New York state legislative process. The report finds that the legislative process remains broken, and offers concrete recommendations for reform.
Publications
Authored by: Andrew Stengel, Lawrence Norden, and Laura Seago
– 01/02/09
Bruno Breezes Through State’s Revolving Door
Discusses Sen. Joseph Bruno’s quick and questionable transition into the private sector after years of service in the New York Senate. Bruno now works for an information technology company that has contracts with several executive branch offices and agencies.
Commentary
Authored by: Andrew Stengel and Susan Lerner
– 08/26/08
New York Really Needs Public Campaign Financing
In April, Gov. David Paterson shook off pressure to create a system of public financing of campaigns, claiming that there’s just no money in the budget for it. Two recent examples of questionable fiscal management might shed light on why....
Commentary
Authored by: Bethany Foster
– 06/02/08
Testimony to the NY City Council Re: Voter Assistance Commission
Testimony regarding registering New Yorkers with felony convictions to vote.
Statements & Testimony
Authored by: Margaret Chen
– 12/18/07
Letter to NYC Board of Elections Regarding Search for New Executive Director
A letter urging the NYC Board of Elections to seek an Executive Director with a history of nonpartisan election administration.
Statements & Testimony
– 10/02/07
Governor Spitzer, Brennan Center Convene Civic Leaders to Continue Push for Campaign Finance Reform
Press Releases
– 06/01/07
Brennan Center Urges Renewed Push for NYS Campaign Reform
Press Releases
– 05/09/07
Coalition Issue Brief: Redistricting
Elections are supposed to offer voters a choice in their representation. Unfortunately, the winners of New York State legislative elections are typically chosen in non-competitive elections. In fact, New York’s Legislature has one of the highest rates of incumbency in the nation.
Analysis
– 04/23/07
Coalition Issue Brief: Transparency & Legislative Rules Reform
The New York State Legislature has had three years since the 2004 Brennan Center report to make vital changes to their operating procedures, but has failed to implement real changes that could lead to substantive legislative reform. A few important steps have been taken, but the major causes of our broken legislature were not addressed.
Analysis
– 04/23/07