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Support the Changes to the State's Member Item System
To the Editor:
With the imprimatur of the new governor, I believe that this is the year when we clean up the member item system also known as "pork".
From my first days in Albany, it was evident that all constituents were not getting their fair share of state dollars through the secretive process known as member items. Millions were assigned without accountability. As a result, i introduced legislation to change the process to one that was organized, fair, and open so that it resembled the state grant process.
Every year I introduced legislation to change the member item system, It received little support. This year I have high hopes for a different outcome. My 2007 legislation will propose that:
1. All members of the state legislature receive equal dollars to distribute throughout their districts.
2. There are specific standards.
3. Legislators can't give out 'pork" sixty days before elections to give themselves an unfair advantage over opponents.
I ask you to inform your state legislator in the Senate and Assembly that you support changes to the member item system. For more information on my legislation, please contact me at 914-941-1111 or galefs@assembly. state. ny.us.
Assemblywoman Sandy
Galef Ossining
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