Today, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,I,Ref -Mahopac) voted in favor of legislation prompting a new state constitutional amendment that will strip pensions from state lawmakers and executive appointees convicted of felonies relating to their official position. It passed the Assembly with overwhelming support.
The Assembly Minority Conference has been fighting for this measure for many years. This measure passed both houses of the Legislature during last year’s legislative session. It was approved by the state Senate again this year, and will be up for a vote on the November ballot.
There is a lengthy process to pass a constitutional amendment. First, the legislation has to pass through both houses during two consecutive legislative sessions, and then it’s placed on the ballot in November to be voted on by the general electorate. If it passes the general electorate then it’s certified into law and becomes effective immediately.
“This has always been an important issue for me. The hard-working taxpayers of New York shouldn’t have to pay for the pensions of convicted politicians or appointees while they’re worrying about paying their property taxes or saving for college,” said Byrne.