The reforms to the Assembly's rules adopted today were greeted with enthusiasm by Assembly Minority Leader Charles H. Nesbitt and Assembly Minority members, who have long advocated a number of similar measures for over a decade. The changes, which include opening up the Motion to Discharge process, requiring meetings of the Rules Committee, and abolishing the practice of empty seat voting, are a solid beginning to the reform process.

"I am glad that the Assembly Majority has seen the value in many of the reforms that Assembly Minority members have been pushing for years," said Leader Nesbitt (R,C,I-Albion). "While I eagerly embrace these changes, it goes without saying that this is only a significant first step."

Leader Nesbitt stressed that this is the beginning of an ongoing process. Next week, Assembly Minority members will put forth a package of amendments to the new Assembly rules that will further open up the operations of the Assembly and even out the playing field between Majority and Minority members. And the Conference will also continue to push for a comprehensive budget reform plan that will guarantee and on-time budget. All of these proposals are outlined in the Assembly Minority Excelsior 2005 plan.

"Profound dysfunction requires a comprehensive solution, and that is what we intend to provide," said Leader Nesbitt. "In less than a week Assembly Minority members will move to further amend the rules of the Assembly to make this body more open, efficient and equitable."

Included in the package of reforms passed today are those to:

• Require Budget Conference Committees to convene;

• End the practice of empty seat voting;

• Require actual meeting of the Rules Committee with a published agenda;

• Relax Motions to Discharge rules to allow rank-and-file members to more easily bring legislation to the floor;

• Expand the time of unlimited bill introductions;

• Extend the time for introduction of resolutions, and

• Require Rules Committee to review Messages of Necessity.