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- ASSEMBLYMAN PETER RIVERA PROPOSES CHANGES TO LOBBYING LAW
- NYSACRA’s LEGISLATIVE DAY – WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
ASSEMBLYMAN PETER RIVERA PROPOSES CHANGES TO LOBBYING LAW
NYSACRA applauds Assemblyman Peter Rivera’s new bill to reform the NYS Lobbying Law. “Assemblyman Rivera makes common sense reforms that seek to improve the reporting system while easing the burden on smaller not-for-profit groups,” said Ann Hardiman, NYSACRA Executive Director.
Assemblyman Rivera’s new bill would raise the lobbying threshold from $2000 to $5000. As an example of lobbying costs, under the current law, all travel expenses incurred during your potential lobbying activities count against this threshold. How is it fair that a group of individuals with disabilities from Buffalo or seniors from Montauk Pt. would be forced to register as lobbyists, when some other Capital District group, which may truly be organized solely for the purpose of lobbying, but avoids the travel costs and the $2000 threshold, doesn’t have to file.
The bill also provides additional reforms that improve the reporting such as including the term “resolution” for local lobbying efforts, since many local governments use resolutions to perform their duties.
Furthermore, moving to a quarterly reporting system will decrease the paperwork burden on small agencies, while eliminating the semi-annual report is a common sense approach. The semi-annual report duplicates the effect of the previous 3 reports, and seems redundant. The Governor has introduced a version of Lobbying Reform that is sponsored by Senator Flanigan.
NYSACRA’s LEGISLATIVE DAY – WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
If you don’t tell them who will? Eight years ago, when NYSACRA had our first Legislative Day, we began with a small group of committed members who gathered at the Capitol in Albany. That day, our slogan was, “If you don’t tell them, who will?” Today, this slogan is still true as we continue to build our Legislative Day to become a major event for the NYSACRA membership, and ultimately for people with disabilities in New York State.
Over the years, agencies have steadily developed connections with their legislators to assist and educate them in making important decisions in New York State regarding people with disabilities. Our Legislative Day utilizes a “team” model where each agency identifies a small group of stakeholders to bring on Legislative day. Teams can be small or large – that’s up to you. The team’s composition reflects the various perspectives that make our member agencies so successful. They typically include administrators, parents, board members, people with disabilities and direct support workers. Recent Legislative Days have grown to over 300 people delivering our message to the Legislature.
We invite you to develop “profiles” of direct support workers highlighting the work they do best - getting people with developmental disabilities involved in their community. Bring that profiled direct support worker with you to Legislative Day this year! If you need help developing a profile story contact Joe Macbeth at extension 22.
We are committed to making your Legislative Day as easy as possible, and guarantee that you will have a successful day in Albany. NYSACRA even makes your Legislative appointments for you. You will be provided detailed issue papers and other handouts necessary when you arrive in Albany. An Agenda is provided in advance as well as driving & parking instructions. Contact Forest Cotton for information at extension 24. Don’t forget…
Join us in Albany on February 3, 2004 -
If you don’t tell them who will? |
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