Westchester/Putnam Assemblywoman Sandy Galef along with State Senator Martin Golden have introduced a bill in Albany that would require municipalities to allow public access to the proposed terms of school district  or municipal bargaining agreements.

"The reason for this legislation is to make sure the process is open so that the public can examine where their tax dollars are going. What this does is require that when a contract has been negotiated between unions and municipal governments or schools that it go up on the internet over several weeks so that the public will have a chance to review it and comment on it."

Galef says when a municipality or a school district "spends public dollars," it's important such information be disclosed before a vote takes place.

Her bill proposes collective bargaining agreements covering salaries and benefits of all school district peronnel and public employees be released prior to their implementation.
"School taxes represent 70-80% of a homeowner's property tax bill.  Homeowners deserve to understand where their money is going," said Galef.