While his stances often cause many Bronxites agita, State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. deserves some credit for a bold stance he has taken against outside income and Lulu's for state elected officials. Capitol Confidential reports that the Senator has introduced legislation that would eliminate outside income for state elected officials, and he also wants to see Lulu's (stipends they get just for doing their jobs) eliminated as well. These reforms would go a long way towards changing the culture in Albany and Senator Diaz deserves kudos for taking a strong stand on it. Now, will any of his colleagues join him?
What about MEMBER ITEM MONEY, the LEGISLATIVE EARMARKS (or "PORK") that lawmakers dole out to favored constituent groups?
ReplyDeleteI just read in The Washington Post that in Congress, for example, earmark opponent Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) said: "Imposing a moratorium on earmarks is an important step that will - as a matter of symbol and substance - begin a new era of sobriety in Washington. America did just fine for 200 years without earmarks, and Congress will do just fine without them."
That's a great idea, and I think it's time to end member item grants in Albany as well.
The anti-earmark quote sounds nice, but don't forget that the GOP is targeting pork spending that actually amounts to less than 0.5%.
ReplyDeleteSo what they are doing is essentially meaningless in terms of overall spending.
Howdy cowboy!
ReplyDelete