“While justice was finally served today, Sheldon Silver’s sentencing stands as a stark reminder that Albany continues to struggle with an addiction to bribery, extortion and pay-to-play politics.

“Too often, career politicians become comfortable with business as usual and that leads to denial about wrongdoing and breaking the rules for private interest. Term limits for legislative leaders would certainly help dissolve these barriers to reform and hold more lawmakers accountable.

“I am proud to sponsor the Public Officers Accountability Act, the strongest anti-corruption legislation in the country. It’s a supreme disservice that this legislation has been blocked time and time again from reaching the floor for a vote.

“I am pleased to see one of the most corrupt figures in Albany’s history finally face real consequences for years of criminal abuses but I will continue to fight to see that Albany’s culture of corruption comes to an end.”