The Peru Gazette

From the Office of Assemblyman Bill Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he helped pass a series of bills to make it easier for residents of the North Country, and all of New York State, to carry out their civic duty.

“Casting a ballot is critical to a functioning government and we must make it easier to have the voices of our constituents heard,” Jones said. “This long-overdue legislation will help ensure that those juggling work and family responsibilities can vote when it’s convenient for them.”

To increase voting opportunities for North Country residents, Jones co-sponsored legislation making it simpler for New Yorkers to request and receive an absentee ballot (A.778). Under current law, residents can only receive an absentee ballot if they expect to be out of the county on an election day or have an illness or physical disability. The reform package also establishes early voting, which would take place during a nine-day period before a general, primary or special election (A.780).

“These measures will give residents more time to cast their ballots and cut down on burdensome travel for those who are unable to, especially in rural areas, like ours, where polling places may not be right next door,” Jones said.

The legislative package also includes a bill that would close the limited liability company (LLC) loophole by extending the $5,000 aggregate contribution limit, already applicable to corporations, to LLCs and requiring LLCs to disclose names of individuals with membership interests (A.776). Under current law, individuals can make nearly unlimited contributions by creating multiple LLCs, drowning out the voices of everyday New Yorkers, Jones noted.

While Jones also voted in favor to consolidate the Primary Election dates (A.779) Jones dissented with the majority and voted in favor to amend this bill as he was concerned about rushing the immediate implementation of this legislation, and felt it should be delayed. Additionally, Jones cast votes to take steps to ensure that the state covered the cost of these changes, so that our local municipalities would not have to bear any hardship with these changes.