Assemblyman Marc W. Butler, R-Newport, joined on as a sponsor of the “Spirit of ‘76” legislation, which would require bills that receive at least 76 Assembly sponsors and 32 Senate sponsors to be brought to the floor for a vote.

Last week, the proposal was offered up as an Assembly rules change, but was voted down by the majority.

Butler represents 118th Assembly District, which includes the St. Lawrence County towns of Madrid, Norfolk, Stockholm, Parishville, Pierrepont, Clare, Colton, Clifton and Fine, plus Hamilton, Herkimer and Fulton counties plus part of Oneida County.

“The structure of the Legislature allows leaders to wield a great amount of power over which legislation can come to the floor for a vote,” Butler said.

“If legislation does not fit the agenda of the majority, despite popular support, it will never see the light of day – this must change,” said Butler. “There has been an outpouring from the public – they want reform, they want a state government that is more democratic, less about partisan politics and more about the people. Passing the Spirit of ‘76 legislation will help us get that much closer to the government the people deserve.”

Butler pointed to the efforts to pass “Jenna’s Law,” which is a public safety law addressing parole for violent first-time offenders.

The legislation was blocked for many years by then-Speaker Sheldon Silver, who held the bill in committee despite it having more than 130 sponsors out of 150 Assembly members.

Spirit of ’76 would have required the bill to come to the floor for a vote.