The news that Assemblyman William Scarborough is going to plead guilty to felony corruption charges highlights our state’s desperate need for definitive ethics reform. As elected officials, we are entrusted to act selflessly in our representation of constituents. Mr. Scarborough broke that public trust and will no doubt resign upon his conviction. Once he does so, he will fill out his papers and begin receiving benefits from a taxpayer-funded state pension. Mr. Scarborough will join 14 other former public officials in the exclusive ranks of convicted felons who are receiving a state pension.

I sponsor a proposed constitutional amendment that would strip corrupt public officials of their state pensions. When we hear talk of ethics reform in Albany, understand that none of it means much unless pension forfeiture is included.