Looking ahead to 2022
The 2022 Legislative Session will be here before we know it, however we have yet to hear from the speaker as to what that will mean for our business in the people’s house.
If you recall, in March 2020 the Assembly rules were modified to allow legislators to participate remotely via Zoom for hearings, committee meetings and session proceedings. This was the case until the state of emergency was terminated in June of this year, but with recent increases in COVID-19 cases throughout the state it is hard to say what January will look like at the Capitol.
As legislative business was conducted remotely last year, we needed to be creative and flexible. An “open door policy” meant meetings by Zoom, smaller meetings by appointment and plenty of email correspondence. Large lobby days organized by individuals concerned about specific bills or organizations looking to lobby members faced more difficulty than ever before. New Yorkers deserve to know what goes on in their state government. After the scandals that brought down the Cuomo administration, it is understandable New Yorkers are skeptical.
However, the best way to earn their trust is to keep an open line of communication and reach for a higher level of transparency.
As the deputy floor leader for my conference, I was one of the only members who was physically in the Assembly Chamber debating bills throughout the course of the pandemic. I definitely believe we lost something important by conducting session remotely. There is something very special about bringing all 150 Assembly members together in the Assembly Chamber to consider, debate and vote on bills. I believe we should return to in-person proceedings for this year’s legislative session.
As most individuals are vaccinated, masks are required to be worn in state buildings and social distancing measures are still in place, I believe we can safely and responsibly conduct the people’s work face-to-face.
There are so many important issues to focus on in the New Year, including: measures to help families and businesses continue to bounce back from economic hardships caused by the pandemic; providing necessary funding for the developmentally-disabled population and the network that supports them; improving public safety; and holding elected officials to the highest standards. I also have a few personal legislative goals for the year, among them are two local bills relating to libraries within the 112th Assembly District and family court related issues, as well as developing legislation to improve the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) program.
I am frequently approached by women business owners who are faced with significant barriers, especially those who have inherited legacy businesses and are questioned as to the legitimacy of their ownership due to the line of work or name of the company. Although the program has done great work to help women and minorities successfully grow and expand their businesses, there’s more that can be done to enhance opportunities and streamline the process for business owners.
I’m also working with Sen. Tedisco on Jacobe’s Law (A.3027), which would require school faculty to investigate and verify instances of harassment or bullying and discuss them with involved students and ultimately, determine the best way forward to ensure the student is safe from harm. If a student expresses health, safety or privacy concerns, the administrator must make a good faith effort to contact the parent or guardian of any incidents.
Passage of this law would ensure an open line of communication between teachers, students and parents whenever these issues arise.
My priority is always putting the best interests of our neighbors first. Through my work in the Assembly, I want to make the 112th Assembly District the best place it can be. I look forward to serving our community for another session and my door is always open to hear your thoughts and concerns. You can reach me at: 199 Milton Ave., Suite 3-4, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or by calling my office at (518) 884-8010 or emailing me at walshm@ nyassembly.gov.