October 18, 2001

TO: All Assembly Republican Staff

FROM: Spencer Black, Minority Leader

RE: Work Rule Changes

I am well aware that there is considerable concern among legislative staff regarding work rule changes adopted by the Assembly Organization Committee this week. These rules will apparently go into effect on November 1.

The three Democrats on the Assembly Organization Committee refused to vote on these changes because we felt that there was inadequate opportunity for legislative staff, who will be most affected, to have input into the changes. While some of the rule changes appear to be good ideas, others such as recording or listening in on office phone conversations and searching purses, raise serious concerns.

I have formed a working group of Assembly Democratic staff and legislators to solicit comments from staff and legislators.

I understand that Assembly Republican leadership may not have afforded Republican legislative staff the same opportunity that
Democratic staff have to speak out on these rules and to help develop a response. Therefore, I would like to invite you to address your comments regarding these rules to the Chair of the working group, Andy Wiesner, who works in Representative Hebl's office.

Some of you may feel uncomfortable speaking candidly about these
rule changes, especially to someone on our side of the aisle. If you
think it is necessary to protect yourself, feel free to make your
responses to Andy anonymous.

We believe that Assembly staff, regardless of which side of the
aisle they work for, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I
hope the efforts of the working group will form the basis to ensure that we have a good working environment for all staff.