Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today introduced a proposal that would make the Assembly more open, accountable and transparent to New Yorkers. Blankenbush and the minority conference introduced 17 proposals to end the decades of abuse of power by elected officials.

“The public has a right to know and understand what their Assembly is doing through the committee process, which has been notoriously closed off to the people,” said Blankenbush. “I cannot tell you how many times I have come across legislation where the people should have had input on a matter but couldn’t because a committee chairperson did not want to hold open hearings. That’s not how we should operate as legislators, and I wish my colleagues across the aisle had adopted this proposal and taken the opportunity to ensure meaningful reform today.”

Blankenbush’s reform proposal addressed allowing public hearings to be called if one- third of members on an Assembly Committee vote for one. This reform measure would make the shadowed committee process more transparent and accessible to the public.

Blankenbush has consistently advocated for more transparency in government and has often hosted his own public hearings if the government failed to do so. In the past, he held hearings on the governor’s so-called SAFE Act as well as Common Core and Educational Reforms.

“All too often, the powers that be wish to hide from the people because they are afraid to face criticism, but I feel we have to meet with our constituents face to face and listen to their concerns. The best solutions develop through the open dialogues we have with the public,” said Blankenbush. “I am disappointed that the Assembly Majority opted to keep the status quo. They must remember, ultimately, we serve the people, and the government does not have the right to be deaf to their concerns.”