By WBFO News
Albany, NY – The State Senate passed a series of reforms early Thursday morning that they contend will change the way the chamber operates to minimize the power of leaders and strengthen the influence of rank-and-file lawmakers.
Senators also reached an agreement on how to distribute pork barrel spending -- discretionary funds lawmakers can bring back to their districts for pet projects that help them get re-elected. They passed a bill that will give Republicans $8 million of $85 million in so-called member item grants.
The new reforms will apply eight-year term limits to Senate leaders and committee leaders, make it easier for senators to bring bills to a vote and make committee membership proportional to the party breakdown of the Senate as a whole. Only one senator - Brooklyn Democrat Kevin Parker - voted against the reforms.
The changes were also designed to promote more openness by disclosing more records, votes, minutes and reports from the chamber, and by recording and Web casting all committee meetings, hearings and action in the chamber. In a joint statement, state Democrats and Republicans said the new plan would provide a more equal distribution of resources.
"All the members will now have the resources to represent their constituents in the appropriate way," said State Senator Dean Skelos, the Republican minority leader from Long Island.
"Quite honestly this has been a great campaign theme for us in our efforts to take the majority," said state Democratic Senators Eric Schneiderman, who represents New York City's Manhattan and the Bronx. "And I'm proud to say today we have been able to remain true to the campaign promise."
Senators also passed a series of local municipal bills Wednesday and confirmed several judicial nominations. They were scheduled to return to session Thursday afternoon to take up more local issues.