To the Editor:

Although NYS Assemblyman Scott Gray, 116th Assembly District has only been in office a few months, he has, as they say, hit the ground running.

He has introduced a new video series called, ‘The Gray Area’ which briefly recaps his week in Albany. He travels to St. Lawrence County on a regular basis to meet with local government representatives to discuss local community needs and he has reintroduced legislation that promotes transparency.

NYS Assembly Bill A9359, previously introduced by Assemblyman Walczyk in March 2022, was reintroduced as Assembly Bill A02857 by Assemblyman Gray on January 27, 2023. The bill limits the size and scope of legislation stating, in part, that … “Any such language shall be prepared in a clear and concise manner, be limited to no more than fifty pages, and consist of words having common every day meanings. The accompanying introducer’s memorandum of support shall identify organizations, associations or other non-governmental individuals who have contributed to such legislative language and explain the financial cost and expected funding sources for such legislation.”

The 2023 New York State budget for this fiscal year is currently estimated at approximately $221 billion. It would be wonderful if legislation, such as the budget, had to be broken down into 50-page segments. Our legislators would actually have the ability to read and debate the various segments of the legislation instead of voting on a monstrous bill that no one has read or researched.

It is my understanding that Assemblyman Gray also intends to contact fellow legislators to support NYS Assembly Bill A02857. I thank Assemblyman Gray for his efforts to improve government transparency and accountability.

Nancy Foster
Louisville