Monroerising.com

As  you know, Democrats control both the governor’s office and the Assembly.  Governor Steamroller has made it clear that he intends to turn the Republican Senate Democrat as well.  Currently, the Republicans have a narrow majority, but significant money is going to be poured into several strategic races in 2008 in an attempt create a completely Democratic legislature.

We are deeply concerned about such a course of events.  Some whine about gridlock and how it prevents government from “doing its job.”  Based on our observations, we are usually better off when the government does less.  In a classic gridlock situation only legislation with broad support can pass.  Consequently, spending and other reckless activity by the government decreases. 

So what’s the point of all this? 

We want to bring attention to the sort of reckless legislation that a Democratic legislature would likely pass if they gained control of both houses.  Accordingly, on a regular basis, we will highlight a particular bill introduced by a Senate or Assembly Democrat that we consider to be reckless and ill-conceived.

First in our series is S.6738, introduced by Democratic Senator, Jose M. Serrano.  This bill would create penalties for state employees that disclose “confidential information” about individuals for whom they are performing government services.  One piece of “confidential information” covered by the bill is immigration status. 

 Reasonable minds may differ as to whether state employees have an affirmative duty to call the INS if they come across an illegal alien in the course of their work.  However, this bill would subject a state employee to a civil fine if they decided they had a duty take such a step.  In other words, New York law would punish a state employee for helping to enforce Federal law.

 And if there is any question as to the motivation behind this bill, read Senator Serrano’s own words in a blog post regarding this bill: “Republicans are calling New York a sanctuary city.  I say let’s make it a sanctuary state.”

 It’s because of bills like this that the Republicans must keep control of the Senate.

Tags: Articles, New York State, Occam //