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January 23, 2001 Democrats punch holes in GOP attack
Responding to charges that the Democratic Majority failed to act on Republican-proposed legislation in a timely manner during the past year, Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) pointed out that the legislation in question was either acted upon in committee within the required 45 day period, or the Republicans were informed during that same period why action would be deferred. Presiding Officer Jacobs noted that Democrats instituted the "45-day rule" early last year after enduring several years as the Legislative Minority in which their proposals were mostly ignored. The "45-day rule" requires that a proposed law be brought before a "committee for consideration and a vote within forty-five days of referral, unless the Chair indicates in writing the reason why such proposal is not being brought before the committee for consideration and a vote." The legislation regarding the booting of vehicles owned by persons who were behind in child support payments was introduced on Feb. 16, 2000. On March 21, well within the 45 day limit, Legislator Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin), chairman of the Public Safety Committee, notified members of the committee in writing that further consideration of the proposed law would be delayed due to developing concerns. The proposed legislation calling for the abolition of the office of the Commissioner of Accounts was introduced on April 11, 2000 and was approved by the Rules Committee on May 15; again, well within the 45-day limit. Further consideration of this legislation was deferred because it became known that certain functions performed by this position could not be performed by other County agencies. The Democratic majority made additional efforts to downsize the Commissioner of Accounts Department late last year when it included the elimination of five positions in this office in their proposed 2001 budget. Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta subsequently vetoed this measure, and the Republican minority failed to join Democrats in an override. Proposed legislation regarding the temporary seizure of vehicles belonging to minors who had been cited for possession of alcohol was introduced in May 2000. In the 45 days after the legislation was proposed, extensive conversations between Republicans and Democrats took place and during that time several questions were raised concerning the practicality and constitutionality of the proposed law. In several subsequent meetings Republicans were notified why the law would not be brought up for consideration. "As only a first-year majority we have experienced the frustration of trying to get proposed legislation through the committee process," said Presiding Officer Jacobs. "What we have demonstrated is that legislation will be considered in committee in a timely fashion, or the reasons for not acting will be made clear. This is a big step forward from the preceding four years when the legislation we introduced fell into a 'black-hole' never to be heard of again." |