PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Introduction and background on legislative hearings
0:14:53
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53 sec
Professor Eric Lane, former Executive Director and Counsel of the 1989 Charter Revision Commission, begins his testimony by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak. He commends the New York City Council for holding hearings on legislation, contrasting it with his experience in Albany where such hearings were rare.
- Lane highlights his 9 years of experience as chief counsel to the Senate Democrats in Albany
- He notes that until about 5 years ago, the state legislature rarely, if ever, held hearings on bills
- This introduction sets the context for Lane's expertise and the uniqueness of the City Council's approach to legislative review
Professor Eric Lane
0:14:53
So I wanna thank you for the opportunity to appear and to appear before the committee and speaker Adams.
0:15:03
And, also, I threw a a sort of measure of pride because probably the city council of the state of New York is the only legislative body in the state of New York that ever has a hearing on legislation.
0:15:18
My 9 years, 6 years as chief counsel, the senate Democrats in Albany, and numerous years I was there observing the legislature after that when I was working at the prime minister, I don't think I think it's fair to say up until about at least 5 years ago, the state assembly and or state legislature never has a hearing on any bill ever.
0:15:42
Never.
0:15:42
I mean that's maybe they've changed in the last five years or so.
