Today, Daniel Squadron, Democratic candidate for the 25th State Senate District denounced the State Senate's approval of a bill - supported by Squadron's opponent, Senator Martin Connor, and others - that would protect insurance companies and the State Insurance Superintendent from many public disclosure requirements.
"This bill will block sunlight and limit transparency - exactly the opposite of what we need," said Squadron. "It's designed to protect companies suspected of violating the law, another classic example of Albany representing the special interests over our interests."
The bill, S.8446, creates a special exemption to the Freedom of Information Law for companies that are under investigation. This would require the Superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department to make a special ruling to have material regarding an investigation published. Currently, under public disclosure laws, information related to such investigations is accessible to the public.
The Senate passed the legislation although there were no sponsors or co-sponsors on the bill. This tactic is commonly used to deflect responsibility and shield accountability for unpopular legislation.
"I'm disappointed that my opponent chose to vote with the special interests to undercut transparency," Squadron said. "In the State Senate, I will fight to expand government disclosure and transparency, not limit it."
I'll leave it to folks smarter than myself to parse the ins and outs of this, but color me suspicious of any bill that passes with 60 votes and zero sponsors.
