Editor’s note: Watch Assemblyman Giglio speak following today’s press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfyHvyugkUQ&

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) joined Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) and his minority colleagues today for a press conference focused on passing meaningful ethics reform this session.

“Ethics reform needs to be a top priority as we start off 2016,” said Giglio. “Accountability and openness are paramount for a successful government; that’s why I’m proud to stand with my Assembly Minority colleagues today to propose these rules reforms for a more transparent legislative process.”

Today’s proposals include term limits for legislative leaders and committee chairs; banning campaign funds from being used for criminal defense cases; pension forfeiture for public officials convicted of felony crimes relating to their positions; allowing each member of the house to bring one substantive bill per session to the floor; and providing equal pay to legislative staffers, among other rules reforms.

“The Assembly Majority has talked about reform since the appointment of Speaker Carl Heastie,” said Giglio. “However, they have been weak on action. Unwillingness to reform will only perpetuate the cycle of corruption. New Yorkers deserve better.”