Communications Regarding Vote Changes in the New York State Senate
| Submitted | July 4, 2023 |
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Communications
From: Jackson Parker
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the New York Freedom of Information Law, I hereby request the following records:
Given recent reports in the Buffalo News regarding instances of retroactively altered votes in the New York State Senate, I am seeking access to the following records:
1. Any and all written communications, including but not limited to emails, memos, and text messages, among Senate members, their staff, and any other relevant parties, regarding the alteration of votes on the bill allowing Gov. Kathy Hochul to enter a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation and the bill rolling back a major campaign finance reform law. This should cover the period from June 1, 2023, to the present.
2. Any and all instructions or guidelines provided to Senate members or their staff regarding the process or possibility of altering votes after they have been cast. This should cover the period from January 1, 2023, to the present.
3. Any and all records of requests made by Senate members to alter their votes after they have been cast, including the reasons provided for such requests. This should cover the period from January 1, 2023, to the present.
I understand that there may be fees associated with the processing of this request. Please inform me of any such fees before processing the request.
If any part of this request is denied, please cite the specific exemption you believe justifies your refusal to release the information and inform me of your agency's appeal procedures.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Jackson Parker
From: New York State Senate
Dear Mr. Parker:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your request dated July 4, 2023 pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law. You are requesting:
1.... Any and all written communications, including but not limited to emails, memos, and text messages, among Senate members, their staff, and any other relevant parties, regarding the alteration of votes on the bill allowing Gov. Kathy Hochul to enter a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation and the bill rolling back a major campaign finance reform law. This should cover the period from June 1, 2023, to the present.
Response: Please be advised the records you request, if the records even exist, are not subject to disclosure pursuant to Senate Rules.
2. Any and all instructions or guidelines provided to Senate members or their staff regarding the process or possibility of altering votes after they have been cast. This should cover the period from January 1, 2023, to the present.
Response: Please be advised after a search, there are no documents / records responsive to your request (or match your request).
3. Any and all records of requests made by Senate members to alter their votes after they have been cast, including the reasons provided for such requests. This should cover the period from January 1, 2023, to the present.…
Response: Please be advised after a search, there are no documents / records responsive to your request (or match your request).
I have attached a copy of the Senate’s Rules and Regulations Relating to the Public Inspection and Copying of Legislative Records for your information.
Sincerely,
Alejandra N. Paulino, Esq.
Secretary of the Senate
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