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Heastie Blocks Plastics Bill After Lobbying by Romantic Partner
6D AGOSTATEASSEMBLYMEMBER CARL HEASTIEENVIRONMENT

Heastie Blocks Plastics Bill After Lobbying by Romantic Partner

What's the gist?

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie declined to bring a plastic waste reduction bill to a vote after a lobbyist romantically linked to him led a rally against the bill.

Context

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act had 78 Assembly sponsors but failed for the third consecutive year. The bill would reduce single-use packaging by 30% and charge companies for waste in an effort to reduse the use of plastic even further. Heastie said he was a 'yes' on the bill but he and others claim the Assembly did not have enough yes votes ot pass the bill. In addition to an alleged romantic connection to lobbyist Rebecca Lamorte, Heasie's campaign advisor Patrick Jenikins was also a lobbyist opposed to the bill. This is the third year in a row Heastie has not brought the bill to vote.

Positive takes

Consensus Building. Heastie's approach of only bringing bills to the floor that have confirmed Democratic caucus support prevents embarrassing failed votes and protects members from controversial positions.
Industry Concerns Matter. The lobbying campaign raised legitimate concerns about job losses and increased costs that would ultimately be passed on to consumers.
Democratic Process. The speaker followed standard procedures by counting votes behind closed doors and determining there wasn't sufficient support to guarantee passage.

Negative takes

Conflict of Interest. A romantic partner leading lobbying efforts against legislation while the speaker makes decisions on that same bill creates an obvious ethics problem that undermines public trust.
Corporate Capture. The chemical industry's massive spending and access to the speaker through personal relationships shows how special interests can override environmental protection and public health.
Transparency Failure. Environmental advocates were 'outgunned and outspent' by industry lobbyists who operated behind closed doors while the public remained unaware of the vote-counting process.