September 13, 2016 •
New York Assembly Candidate’s Death May Create Vacancy
On September 9, 2016, New York Assemblyman Bill Nojay took his own life. Nojay was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on fraud charges related to mishandling of a trust fund on the day he passed. Nojay was already […]
On September 9, 2016, New York Assemblyman Bill Nojay took his own life. Nojay was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on fraud charges related to mishandling of a trust fund on the day he passed.
Nojay was already listed on the primary ballot for September 13, 2016. If Nojay wins the primary, the seat will default to a vacancy and the GOP will select a replacement.
Nojay’s opponent, Richard B. Milne, has offered his sincerest condolences and has suspended all political activity until further notice.
Photo of Rep. Bill Nojay courtesy of the New York State Assembly website.
November 19, 2015 •
NY Assembly Candidate Who Lost Election Arrested for Failing to File Campaign Financing Reports
Michelle Adolphe, a candidate who ran for a seat in the state Assembly last year, was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with three counts of failing to file campaign finance reports as required under state election law. Adolphe, who lost […]
Michelle Adolphe, a candidate who ran for a seat in the state Assembly last year, was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with three counts of failing to file campaign finance reports as required under state election law.
Adolphe, who lost in last year’s election, allegedly failed to report where her campaign contributions came from and how they were spent.
If convicted on all three counts, Adolphe could face up to three years in jail.
June 26, 2015 •
NY State Assembly Ends 2015 Session
The New York State Assembly has ended its 2015 legislative session as of Thursday, June 25, 2015. The session was originally slated to end June 17, 2015, but final details of an omnibus bill related to rent regulations and property […]
The New York State Assembly has ended its 2015 legislative session as of Thursday, June 25, 2015.
The session was originally slated to end June 17, 2015, but final details of an omnibus bill related to rent regulations and property tax rebates were still being negotiated until almost midnight on June 25.
One unique provision of the bill grants Gov. Andrew Cuomo the authority to perform marriage ceremonies.
April 6, 2015 •
NY State Budget Includes Expansion of Lobbying Law
As part of the 2015-2016 state budget, the New York State Assembly passed a bill vastly expanding the application of the state’s legislative law. Senate Bill 2006-B amends the definition of municipality to include all jurisdictional subdivisions of the state […]
As part of the 2015-2016 state budget, the New York State Assembly passed a bill vastly expanding the application of the state’s legislative law. Senate Bill 2006-B amends the definition of municipality to include all jurisdictional subdivisions of the state with a population of more than 5,000, including school districts.
Jurisdictional subdivisions meeting this population threshold are now encompassed by lobbyist registration and reporting at the state level. As a result, communications with local officials once exempt from consideration as lobbying will now require disclosure to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
This provision of law takes effect immediately upon the governor’s formal approval, which is expected in the coming days.
February 9, 2015 •
New Speaker Elected in the New York State Assembly
Assemblyman Carl Heastie has been elected speaker of the New York State Assembly. The election was held due to outgoing speaker Sheldon Silver being arrested on federal corruption charges. Heastie, a Democrat from the Bronx, has served in the Assembly […]
Assemblyman Carl Heastie has been elected speaker of the New York State Assembly. The election was held due to outgoing speaker Sheldon Silver being arrested on federal corruption charges.
Heastie, a Democrat from the Bronx, has served in the Assembly since 2000. He is the first speaker from the Bronx, and also the first African-American to be speaker.
Photo of Assemblyman Carl Heastie courtesy of the New York State Assembly website.
January 30, 2015 •
Sheldon Silver Resigns as Speaker of NY State Assembly
State Rep. Sheldon Silver will no longer be speaker of the New York State Assembly beginning Monday, February 2, 2015. Silver was arrested on federal corruption and bribery charges earlier this month. It is not clear whether Silver is resigning […]
State Rep. Sheldon Silver will no longer be speaker of the New York State Assembly beginning Monday, February 2, 2015. Silver was arrested on federal corruption and bribery charges earlier this month. It is not clear whether Silver is resigning voluntarily or being forced out by a vote.
Silver said, “I won’t hinder any succession process . . . [but] I will be a member of this house. I was elected by my constituents and I do not intend to resign my seat in this house.”
Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle will serve as the acting speaker until an election for a new speaker is held on February 10, 2015.
January 22, 2015 •
Speaker of NY Assembly Sheldon Silver Arrested on Federal Corruption Charges
Assemblyman Sheldon Silver, speaker of the New York State Assembly, was arrested on federal corruption charges. He is accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes. Mr. Silver, a Democrat, has served as speaker for more than 20 years. According […]
Assemblyman Sheldon Silver, speaker of the New York State Assembly, was arrested on federal corruption charges. He is accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes. Mr. Silver, a Democrat, has served as speaker for more than 20 years.
According to the New York Times, the corruption charges stem from accusations of using his position to obtain corrupt payments misrepresented as referral fees from a law firm; funneling state research funds and other benefits to a doctor who in return referred asbestos claims to the law firm where the speaker worked; and secretly helping real estate developers win tax breaks.
In New York, state legislators who are charged with crimes can continue to serve unless and until convicted of a felony, at which point the legislator must leave office.
May 20, 2013 •
Cuomo Will Not Call a Special Election
Lopez will not be able to influence the selection of his successor
Governor Andrew Cuomo has another opening in the State Assembly, but he is in no rush to call an election to fill it. Assemblyman Vito Lopez announced he will resign his seat in the State Assembly Monday afternoon, and Cuomo has decided not to call a special election to replace the disgraced politician.
Lopez is resigning amidst allegations of sexual harassing his former staffers during his tenure. He had already lost all committee assignments and legislative perks due to the scandal.
Cuomo is refusing to call a special election because, in a special election, the political parties get to choose their respective candidates.
With Lopez’s district being heavily Democratic, the Democratic Party would be able to choose the replacement. And with Lopez being the former head of the Democrats in Brooklyn and with his pals still in charge, Lopez would be able to handpick his successor. Cuomo would prefer to avoid that situation, so he’ll hold the election with the regular primary in September and general election in November. This will allow any Democrat to have the opportunity to get on the primary ballot.
As far as Lopez is concerned, he does not plan on riding into the political night. Even with the recent scandal, Lopez is still heavily considering running for a seat on the New York City Council this November.
Photo of the New York State House by Matt H. Wade on Wikipedia.
June 27, 2011 •
New York Assembly Session Concluded
Regular session ended on June 24.
Legislators concluded the 2011 regular session Friday evening after reaching agreement on a number of bills.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has 10 days upon transmittal of a bill to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.
Photo of the New York Assembly Chamber by UpstateNYer on Wikipedia.
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