Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) expressed frustration with the lack of action on common-sense measures by the Assembly Majority. The package of rules reforms proposed yesterday by the Assembly Minority Conference would ensure greater public access and understanding of the legislative process.

“Our constituents need to be able to trust us, and trust our institution,” said Ra. “We can’t let this corrupt culture of government continue, and I encourage my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join in on our fight to restore public trust. I believe that in order to move forward and accomplish the work we are sent here to do, we must adopt meaningful measures that prevent unilateral leadership and enforce pension forfeiture, as well as increase transparency and accountability once and for all.”

Yesterday, Ra spoke on a resolution, which is included in the 17 rules reforms, allowing one-third of the members of a committee to petition for a hearing on a bill or petition for an oversight hearing.

“I couldn’t help but point out an unfortunate reality that has been generated by the current set of Assembly rules,” said Ra. “Over the past few years, our conference has been fighting for necessary education reform measures. In order to help teachers, parents and students voice their concerns, we asked that the Assembly hold public hearings, but were denied the opportunity to do so. I can’t help but think that if we had the ability to go through with these hearings in the first place, we could have gathered input faster and been well on our way to a better education system.”