Yesterday, the New York State Senate passed bill S1229, a government reform initiative that would put into law eight-year term limits for legislative leadership positions, including temporary president of the Senate, speaker of the Assembly, majority and minority leaders and committee chairs. The bill is widely viewed as a major step forward in changing the culture of Albany politics and would prevent leaders from accruing absolute power over the period of several years, while also offering more legislators an opportunity to advance in our state government.

“I am thrilled to see my colleagues in the Senate have passed a bill that will enact an eight-year term limit on legislative leadership positions. This measure would represent a major victory for ethics reform in Albany, one of my top legislative priorities by raising accountability and ensuring we maintain fresh leadership in our governing bodies. I urge my Assembly colleagues to unite in support of this legislation, which promises to serve the best interests of all New Yorkers.”