Fritz Scherz

Fritz Scherz

Guest Column

By Councilman Fritz Scherz

(Verona, NY – Nov. 2014) On Election Day, Proposal Two – Permitting Electronic Distribution of State Legislative Bills will be voted on. According to the New York State Board of Elections’ website: “The purpose of this proposal (Proposal Two) is to allow electronic distribution of a state legislative bill to satisfy the constitutional requirement that a bill be printed and on the desks of state legislators at least three days before the Legislature votes on it. Under the current provisions of the Constitution, this requirement can only be satisfied by distribution of a physical printed copy.  The proposal would amend section 14 of Article 3 of the State Constitution. It would provide that a bill will be considered printed and upon the desks of members of the Legislature if, first, it is set forth in a legible electronic format by electronic means, and, second, legislators are able to review the bill in the electronic format at their desks. The proposal would establish that a bill is set forth by electronic means when it is sent between computers or other machines designed to send and receive information, the receiving legislators can print the bill if they choose, and the bill cannot be changed without leaving a record of the changes.”

In other words, this is an opportunity for voters to insist that our State Legislature switch from the arduous and very expensive (not to mention, outdated) process of having each bill printed in hard copy format and placed on each legislator’s desk to instead allowing electronic distribution. Thus, saving taxpayers money. With the electronic age being upon us, it’s hard to believe that this has not been acted upon sooner. I know the argument has been made that this would be a dramatic change. However, I don’t accept that.

Consider this: When I worked at the Office of the New York State Comptroller, I came up with the idea to switch the way audit reports were issued. I spearheaded the process. At first, I was met with some skepticism. However, once I proved not only how simple, quicker, AND less expensive it would be to issue audit reports (final audit reports at first, then eventually draft audit reports), the change was made. What was once thought of as impractical became practical. The same can be done with New Yorker’s voting “yes” on Proposal Two. I hope you will join me in doing so.

 

By martha

One thought on “Thoughts on Proposal Two for Election Day 2014”
  1. This is a good proposal, however, has anyone done a study to determine the impact this would have on the paper and pulp industry? The change could potentially cost American jobs at paper mills and recycling centers across the state. Innovation can, in some cases, lead to job loss. Many of these bills can be several hundred pages long. We need to tread lightly here.

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