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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 3
History
- Referred to commerce, economic development and small business
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Directs the governor to establish 10 regional economic development councils to provide long-term strategic planning for economic growth for the regions of the state
In Assembly Committee · Economic Development · Sponsor Thomas Abinanti
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the economic development law and the public officers law, in relation to the establishment of regional economic development councils; and to provide for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
Purpose
This bill places the already existing regional economic development councils in statute and requires that the members of the council be subject to Senate confirmation and that they comply with financial disclosure requirements of section 73-a of the public officers law.
Summary of specific provisions
Section one amends the economic development law by placing the regional economic development councils in statute. The ten regions consist of the same geographical make-up that they currently operate in, and the mission of the regional councils remains unchanged. This section provides that the members will continue to be appointed by the governor, but that the Senate shall have the responsibility of confirming the members. Finally, this section provides that the members of the council shall be subject to the financial disclosure requirements of section 73-a of the public officers law.
Section two amends the public officers law, to make corresponding changes, requiring that members of the regional economic development council file financial disclosure forms.
Section three provides that the members of the regional economic development council shall be subject to the code of ethics, in the same manner as a public officers, legislative employees and members of the legislature.
Section four provides that this act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
The Regional Economic Development Councils were initiated by Governor Cuomo in 2011 as part of his approach to State investment and economic development. The Councils are public-private partnerships, made up of local experts and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds. Since their conception, the Regional Councils have redefined the way that New York invests in jobs and economic growth. From 2011-2015, the Governor has appropriated nearly $3 billion dollars to 3,100 projects, through the Regional Economic Development Councils.
Due to the fact that the Regional Economic Development Councils were never formally adopted into statute, the Governor has had the unrestricted ability to appoint the individuals who are responsible for determining the future of the State's economic development. Further, because the individuals who are unilaterally appointed by the Governor are not subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the public officers law, there is no means of ensuring that these individuals are serving the best interests of the state, and not engaging in self-serving activities. Finally, by subjecting members of the regional economic development council to the code of ethics, we can ensure that the members are acting in the best interest of the state. The public must trust that their tax dollars are being allocated in a manner that best serves the interests of our great state.
Prior legislative history
New Bill. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
None to the State.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately and shall be expire and be deemed repealed two years after such date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.