In response to months of mandatory shutdown across the state, 10th District Legislators Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano have
“We cannot allow one person’s decisions with such far-reaching consequences to impact an entire state for so long without legislative input,” said Senator Holzapfel. “This measure would ensure that the people’s elected representatives from all corners of the state have a say in whether consequential emergency orders should be extended.”
The proposed amendment would provide that certain emergency orders, rules or regulations issued by a governor during a state of emergency will terminate on the 15th day after issuance unless the Legislature approves an extension. This will force the governor to work with the Legislature.
“The months of shutdown have made it clear to all lawmakers and our residents that the Governor’s Executive powers need to be checked,” added Assemblyman McGuckin. “The legislature is a co-equal branch of government, elected by the people and we believe that no Governor should have absolute power.”
The legislators believe that this constitutional amendment is necessary to prevent excessive unilateral decisions without the input of the legislature. This resolution would give the power back to the people with a vote on an amendment to the state constitution placing restrictions on executive authority.
“The people have had enough,” concluded Assemblyman Catalano. “In times of crisis, we need the appropriate checks and balances and this amendment to our State Constitution will ensure that the power is given back to the people.”
Good Job! It is about time!
Amen!!!!
FINALLY WORTHWHILE LEGISLATION!
you think the executive branch is for figure head purposes only? of course it is within the governor’s powers to declare a state of emergency and all that has been done. that is not the problem. the problem is that all the causes for an emergency have vanished and the closures have not. just like when we needed it most early on and the governor reacted slowly. the problem is not the law and the solution is not its unnecessary amendment. people made a stupid choice and they are living or dying with it. by the time the law is passed he will have been voted out anyway. what a shame because a responsible advisory team could save his fate along with his state.
Are you saying you are fine with a system allowing one person to declare an endless an emergency??? I don’t care what the emergency is or who is at fault!!!
Allowing one Governor the power to declare an emergency forever is a recipe for tyranny!! Today it’s a virus, tomorrow it’s some other scientific reason limiting our rights! We are not talking about a 2 day blizzard where the Governor needs everyone off the road so they can plow! We are talking about The Governor arbitrarily deciding who can make a living for THREE MONTHS based on science and data only he is familiar with! There is absolutely no reason the legislature did not have any input!!
NO TO TYRANNY!!
NO TO DICTATORSHIP!!!
GR8 WORK !! Long overdue! There should also be a way to have a legislative majority overturn a declaration even in the first 15 Days. Thank you to all who worked on this!
This is a Democratic Governor with a Democratic Assembly and Senate, nothing is going to pass that will limit a Democratic Governor.
Just more noise and talking points for November.