What Does New York's State Assembly Do?
Whose house?! The People’s House!
New York’s government is multifaceted; many of our representatives work together in efforts to best serve us, the constituents. Beyond our high-profile Governor and Senators, there are our State Assembly representatives, who govern each of New York’s 150 districts. Each of these roles is tasked with listening to the concerns of the people, knowing our needs and advancing policies to uplift and protect us so we can continue to grow into a stronger state.
Since 1777, our State Assembly has been working alongside our Governor and State Senate to enhance our legislative processes by creating laws and budgets. Important figures once held a place in the Assembly, including former Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Millard Fillmore, and current New York Senator Chuck Schumer. Our taxes, education, health, transportation, environment, worker protections and much more are overseen by our Assembly members and their committees.
This year, all 150 Assembly seats are up for election; the results can have a significant effect to decide on which party will rule the majority. The Assembly utilizes these committees to shape our legislative actions. To learn more about what Assembly members do, check out this handy infographic from assembly.state.ny.us about how bills become laws:
Everyday people can be a part of the lawmaking process. Committees meetings are frequently open to the public who are interested in keeping up to date on our governmental goings-on. Have an idea for a law? Here’s how you can lobby for a better state.
Stay up-to-date on 2018’s New York elections with Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s Race To Represent, featuring interviews and debates with candidates, and profiles on what’s happening in your district.
Sources:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/031/20030310/
https://ballotpedia.org/New_York_State_Assembly
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