Smith's Reforms For State Senate Do Not Go Far Enough

Last week, we saw a great change at the State of the State speech. Not only was the Lieutenant Governor of last year now at the podium, a Democratic State Senate Majority Leader was close behind him at the lectern. Yet the promise for reform in that legislative body does not look too hopeful. He had promised a marriage equality bill in 2007, but that clearly isn't going to happen, at least for now. Though he did assure us just last week that rules reform was a reality. So let's see what exactly he reformed.

From The Times-Union:

Smith's resolution contains three real changes: slightly more relaxed motions to discharge bills from committee to force a floor vote, eliminating canvass of agreement so that "no" votes are recorded on discharge and amendments, and allowing minority members to sign onto bills without receiving permission. The proposed rules would expire at the end of the year. Senate leaders would need to draft, consider and vote on a new set.

There is nothing wrong with these changes, but they fall far short of the kind of comprehensive reform the Senate needs if it is to become the deliberative, open, representative, accountable body that the Senate Democrats promised before the November elections.

To give the Senate Democrats the benefit of the doubt, up until just a few days ago, many members were almost exclusively focused on whether they would actually take control of the chamber and who would lead the conference. It is doubtful many had much time to discuss or deliberate about legislative rules changes in the past few weeks.

With that thought in mind, there is still one glimmer of hope for change in the Senate. The Democrats' proposed resolution also creates a seven-member "Temporary Committee on Rules and Administration Reform" to recommend further changes in the rules.

So basically this Op-Ed by members of the Brennan Center state that Smith's changes aren't bad, but more is needed. Perhaps this committee can enact some change with their recommendations in three months from now, but my worry is that it gets lost in the middle of the session. Smith had months, nay, years to fashion and get ready to implement the transparent government he promised and that all of us who believe in good government dreamt of.