Northeast Assembly Thread

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Lieutenant Governor Recommendation Preference

[ x ] AndrewPA
[ ] Write-In:_____________
[ ] None of these candidates
[ ] Abstain

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Voting time has expired.  The Assembly hereby recommends AndrewPA for Lieutenant Governor, with all four votes in favor of him.

The Assembly will now consider The Northeast Cabinet Act, introduced by myself.

The Northeast Cabinet Act

A BILL to establish a board of non-legislating advisers, which will work in the Northeast Executive Branch

1. The Governor may nominate an elected or non-elected Northeast citizen to each regional department.  Citizens who are selected must accept their nominations to each department, before being confirmed by the General Assembly at the beginning of the Governor’s term.

2. The Governor may fire a Secretary of any department at any time during his or her tenure, and the replacement(s) shall be confirmed by the General Assembly.

3. The secretaries shall advise the Governor, as well as the General Assembly, on legislation relevant to their department assignment(s) or recommend policy initiatives, but shall have no legislative power or vote in the General Assembly unless the Secretary is a member of such.  The Governor may appoint a secretary to oversee multiple departments at a time and the secretary shall work in the Cabinet until he or she resigns, is removed from their position by the Governor, or after the Governor’s term expires.  A secretary may serve under multiple governors without limitations on how many times he or she may be appointed.

4. The Governor may leave some or all departments vacant if he or she chooses.

5. The Departments will be as follows:

• Department of the State (will advise on legislation regarding election law, game reform)
• Department of the Treasury (will advise on legislation regarding money, budgeting, banking, consumer protection, loans)
• Department of Agriculture and the Interior (will advise on legislation regarding farm bills & compensation, rural development, regional parks, environmental regulation, energy policy, food stamps)
• Department of Commerce (will advise on legislation regarding economic growth)
• Department of Urban Development (will advise on legislation regarding urban development, maintenance, infrastructure)
• Department of Education (will advise on legislation regarding education policy, health standards for schools, school development, teacher pay)
• Department of Labor (will advise on legislation regarding labor, unions, worker pay, worker protection, worker conditions)
• Department of Veterans Affairs (will advise on legislation regarding support for veterans, region’s military force)
• Department of Health and Human Services (will advise on legislation regarding public health care, hospitals, health, safety regulations)
• Department of Justice (will advise on legislation regarding the administration of law, enforcement of justice)

6. The Governor may establish a new Cabinet position with the consent of the General Assembly.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Here's what I had to say about my legislation in my office thread.

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So in a nut shell, it's a fun way of increasing involvement in NE government with both the legislators and the citizens.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I have several issues with this bill.

Nominate an elected official?  The law would allow him to nominate anyone, yes.  However, can an already elected official hold dual positions?  This bill might find itself in trouble with Federal law here.

Next, "Citizens who are selected must accept their nominations to each department, before being confirmed by the General Assembly at the beginning of the Governor’s term."  This almost makes it sound like I have no choice to deny a nomination.  I understand what you mean, but the term "must accept their nomination" worries me.

As a side note, we already have a CJO, so I don't understand why we need a Dept of Justice.


Ultimately, I understand the purpose of this bill, but the biggest problem is dual office holding.  I think that would be the biggest flaw in this legislation.  

The bill is basically a way of giving citizens and legislators titles/obligations to advise on certain policies and issues.  People can already advise policy by posting in the legislation introduction thread, and either another citizen will support it or Representative will sponsor it for them.  This simply a way of getting more ideas and involvement from people.  I don't see how this would conflict with federal law if people on the positions technically don't have a final say on anything, and can't even vote unless they've been elected.

That part of the bill is simply saying that you can't be forced into having a position, and would have to accept it before it's valid.  If you would like to change the wording so that it clarifies what it means, I would be open to amending it.

The CJO, I also became slightly unsure about soon after writing this.  I would be open to eliminating this position if the Assembly would like to.

Not in favor, we have a hard enough time filling every position as is and every one of these "advisory comissions" has ended up being used as a backdoor to introduce some awful piece of extreme government-expanding legislation that wouldn't be passed normally.

Not every position has to be filled.  Originally, this bill had probably about fifteen departments or so before I chose to eliminate or merge some when I drafted it.  Also, you can't just assume that all legislation proposed by the advisers would be bad.  Promoting involvement in local government gives the citizens more of a say and makes it more open, as a whole.  And if something gets proposed that the Assembly doesn't like, it will get voted down just as when Representatives propose legislation the Assembly doesn't like.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Yes, but it is a position nonetheless.  Presidential cabinet's are considered a position, and that was why the cabinet flexibility amendment was necessary.  As I said before, this is my biggest potential problem with this bill. 

Members of the presidential cabinet typically have more requirements and responsibilities other than to just advise on things.  Basically, all this legislation does is encourage the Governor to say to people, "We're looking for ideas on how our region should set policy on this particular issue.  Why don't you oversee what the Assembly does on something and give input, as well as share your ideas?".  So I don't really consider it a position in the sense that secretaries have control over anything.  If your problem with this bill is merely the use of the word 'cabinet position', then I suppose the wording could be altered, but other than that I don't see how this violates federal law.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Yes, but it is a position nonetheless.  Presidential cabinet's are considered a position, and that was why the cabinet flexibility amendment was necessary.  As I said before, this is my biggest potential problem with this bill. 

Members of the presidential cabinet typically have more requirements and responsibilities other than to just advise on things.  Basically, all this legislation does is encourage the Governor to say to people, "We're looking for ideas on how our region should set policy on this particular issue.  Why don't you oversee what the Assembly does on something and give input, as well as share your ideas?".  So I don't really consider it a position in the sense that secretaries have control over anything.  If your problem with this bill is merely the use of the word 'cabinet position', then I suppose the wording could be altered, but other than that I don't see how this violates federal law.

Whether it has that wording in it or not, I consider these to be positions.  Federal law does prohibit dual office holding.  I think it would pretty irresponsible for me to support this without having a compelling argument why this is lawful.     

Because as I've said, this bill is primarily for giving people titles, and thus, obligations to give suggestions.  The key word being, obligations.  Obviously, there are no legal restrictions on suggesting legislation, as it is.  However, most of the bills the Assembly considers are written by the Representatives and not the citizens themselves, which is what I'm trying to fix.  I suppose that if you still believe these are formal positions, we should get an opinion from the CJO or someone like that.  If this bill still might face legal conflicts with the federal government, I can change it so that only unelected citizens may be secretaries.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Thank you for your input, Mr. Vice President.

The amendment is friendly.

Debate time is extended.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

As the current governor, I have no problems with the proposed amendment. However, I doubt I'd appoint any formal advisers.

Okay, but I believe Representative RFK mentioned something about being appointed to your cabinet, just so you know.  Of course, I'm not sure he'd be willing to resign his seat for that position if this bill passes, though.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I am writing in an additional provision to this bill, just to make it official that this is a formal office position within the Northeast.

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The bill is amended.

Also, thank you Cincinnatus for cleaning up the wording in this bill earlier.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Debate time has expired.  Members will now cast their votes on passage of the legislation.  This will be a 24-hour vote.

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[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Aye.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Sorry for being late tonight.  I was in Boston... again.

Voting time has expired.  The ayes are four (including Cincinnatus' late vote) and the nays are two.  The bill is passed.

The Assembly will now consider the legislation introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania.  Debate will last for 48 hours.

The Making Recycling Fun And Cool Because Nobody Likes To Do It Other Than Hippies Act of 2011

1. In order to increase desire to recycle, special recycling cans shall be placed throughout the region.

2. These special cans shall be capable of the following:

• When a recyclable item is placed in the can, a buzzer, similar to a basketball buzzer, shall sound.
• There shall be a point counter at the top of the can that records high scores. If someone breaks a high score, an automated voice shall shout "High score!" and the person will recieve a coupon to a store of their choice.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I'm afraid I cannot support this bill.  The concept is fun and creative and I am glad that an issue relating to the environment is being addressed, however the bill does not specify where we will get the funding for producing these special recycling cans and putting the law into effect.  This would not be a fiscally responsible move for our region.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I'm afraid I cannot support this bill.  The concept is fun and creative and I am glad that an issue relating to the environment is being addressed, however the bill does not specify where we will get the funding for producing these special recycling cans and putting the law into effect.  This would not be a fiscally responsible move for our region.

Perhaps we could work with some eco-friendly organizations to raise the funds for a few prototypes?

I suppose as long as it doesn't require government spending, that would be a better alternative.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Would anybody else like to speak on this bill or offer amendments to improve it?

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I think it would be simpler to just have recycling containers placed alongside regular trash cans.  The reason most people don't recycle is because you have to carry your trash ten feet to get to a public recycling bin.

This is a better idea.  Having to develop, produce, and maintain these special trash cans wouldn't be very cost effective.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

The gentleman withdraws his bill from consideration.  The Assembly will now consider the legislation introduced by the gentleman from New York.  Debate will last for 48 hours.

Stone Wall Preservation Act

The Northeast Assembly acknowledges that stone walls constructed as agricultural and administrative boundaries are tangible legacies of the generations that lived and died before the present day, and in so doing, declares the following:

1. That to knowingly deface, damage or dismantle a stone wall on public property is prohibited, and punishable by a $500 fine on the first offense;
2. That subsequent offenses shall entail four hours of community service for each subsequent offense and an increase in the fine by an additional $250 for each subsequent offense;
3. That any land sold by the Northeast or by any municipal or local government therein to a private landowner may only be sold on the condition that all stone walls located upon the property may not be defaced, damaged or dismantled in the process of the development of the land; and
4. That the Northeast Government shall offer grants totaling $250,000 to historians and scholars who aim to develop registries, maps and archives of ancient stone walls within the Northeast Region.

x homelycooking

X  Cincinnatus

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I have no objection to this bill, and I don't see any reason not to support it.  The Northeast should protect these ancient stone walls.  I assume the stone walls this bill is referring to are the ones made to memorialize people, is that correct?

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

I have no objection to this bill, and I don't see any reason not to support it.  The Northeast should protect these ancient stone walls.  I assume the stone walls this bill is referring to are the ones made to memorialize people, is that correct?

I'm not sure what you are referring to. My bill is intended to protect walls constructed centuries ago that, at one point, demarcated boundary lines or pastures.

Ah, I see.  Thank you for clarifying.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Don't we still have state parks?

I found one bill on the wiki that refers to state parks, but nothing that specifies where the parks are.  So no, technically.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Seriously, this makes less sense than the people saying nobody should be allowed to cut down trees.  There is nothing special or architecturally unique about a stone wall.

Like Napoleon said, it does make sense to protect trees.  No, not banning the practice of it entirely, but preserving nature in select areas.  This bill preserves remnants of history.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Debate time has expired.  Members will now cast their votes on passage of the legislation.  This will be a 24-hour vote.

Stone Wall Preservation Act

The Northeast Assembly acknowledges that stone walls constructed as agricultural and administrative boundaries are tangible legacies of the generations that lived and died before the present day, and in so doing, declares the following:

1. That to knowingly deface, damage or dismantle a stone wall on public property is prohibited, and punishable by a $500 fine on the first offense;
2. That subsequent offenses shall entail four hours of community service for each subsequent offense and an increase in the fine by an additional $250 for each subsequent offense;
3. That any land sold by the Northeast or by any municipal or local government therein to a private landowner may only be sold on the condition that all stone walls located upon the property may not be defaced, damaged or dismantled in the process of the development of the land; and
4. That the Northeast Government shall offer grants totaling $250,000 to historians and scholars who aim to develop registries, maps and archives of ancient stone walls within the Northeast Region.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Aye.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Voting time has expired.  The ayes are one and the nays are two, with one member abstaining.  The bill fails.

The Assembly will now consider the legislation introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania.  Debate will last for 48 hours.

The Music Piracy Decriminalization Act of 2011

1. Downloading music on the internet is hereby legal.

2. Websites such as LimeWire, FrostWire and related websites are no longer at risk of persecution from the Northeast Government in any way, shape or form.

3. Illegal downloading is hereby discouraged by the adjourned Assembly.

4. Musicians may not sue any illegal downloading websites if a court case would be brought before a Northeast Court.

5. All persons forced to pay an illegal downloading fine are to have said fine repaid in it's entirety.

[Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Bodies for Biden]

Right off the bat, this is a bill that I just can't support.  First of all, when music is illegally downloaded from the internet, the artists receive no payment for their work.  If artists aren't profiting off of their songs, they won't want to continuing making music.  Not only is this unfair, but it's counterproductive to the music industry and musicians themselves.  Piracy is no different from stealing from a store, and the bill's language allows just that.

Secondly, this bill is very confusing.  The third provision discourages - but doesn't prohibit - the illegal downloading of music, but the fourth and fifth provisions let people who are guilty of doing so off the hook and bars musicians from suing these websites.  I don't really understand how the purpose of this bill is to legalize piracy, but discourages illegal downloading in one of the provisions.  Or maybe I'm misinterpreting it.  I would certainly like some clarification or revisions made to this bill.