Removing the Barriers to State Government



State of New York Executive Chamber

No. 1 REMOVING THE BARRIERS TO STATE GOVERNMENT

No. 1

WHEREAS, it is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the government perform its business in an open and public manner;

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of government to facilitate greater access and participation by its citizens;

WHEREAS, this access must include easier physical access to the government for members of the public;

WHEREAS, the New York State Capitol is the historic seat of government in New York State and a marvel of late 19th century architecture; and

WHEREAS, the barriers to access to the New York State Capitol have prevented this openness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:

Opening the Capitol


 * 1) Certain barriers erected around the perimeter of the Capitol shall be removed to allow for convenient loading and unloading of visitors to the Capitol.
 * 2) Access to the second floor of the Capitol, where the Governor’s office is located, shall hereafter be provided to members of the public during business hours except when restricted access is determined to be necessary to ensure the safety and security of those working in the Capitol.

Assistance

Every New York State department, division, board, bureau, commission, council and agency shall cooperate to effectuate this Executive Order and shall furnish such assistance as may be necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes of this Executive Order.

GIVEN under my hand and the Privy Seal of the                                                                                                                                                       State in the City of Albany this first day of                                                                                                                                                                     January in the year two thousand eleven.

BY THE GOVERNOR