Governor David Paterson has called for a rare Sunday session of New York’s Senate after the fractured house again met separately. Paterson’s order comes after both the Senate’s Democratic conference and the Republican-dominated coalition both met for three minutes each — separately on Saturday.
With the Senate split 31-31, members are fighting for control and Paterson is trying to pressure them to meet and pass critical legislation.
Sunday’s agenda includes the approval of several appointees and a bill that would prohibit discrimination in housing for victims of domestic abuse.
Paterson issued the statement below last night.
“It has now been 19 days since Senators last did the legislative work that their constituents sent them to Albany to do. With everyday that goes by, they give the public another excuse why they can not do this work. They have spent more time thinking of excuses than doing the people’s business.
“What is their excuse today? They have argued that I can not call the Senate back without the Assembly unless it is to confirm appointments. Today, the only item on the special session agenda was the confirmation of nine appointees. All nine individuals traveled to Albany and were in the Senate chamber for session. None were confirmed.
“Let’s be completely clear about this stalling; it is only about power and politics. In the most simple terms, it is the question of which party gets to hold the gavel in the Senate chamber.
“This is certainly not about what’s best for New Yorkers; it is about what’s best for squabbling leaders and their political fortunes. But all 62 senators are accountable because only they can stop their leaders from putting self interest ahead of the interests of the people of New York.
“This question of who gets to hold the gavel is threatening the education of New York City school children. Who gets to hold the gavel is threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs. Who gets to hold the gavel is threatening the health insurance for thousands of New Yorkers. Who gets to hold the gavel is threatening financial chaos for New York City and local governments across the State. Who gets to hold the gavel is threatening massive hikes in property taxes.
“The clock is ticking. On Tuesday, laws will expire. Tomorrow the Senate will be called back into Special Session. They will remain in Albany until they finish this work. I will continue to do everything in my power to prevent our schools from facing uncertainty and chaos, to protect hundreds of thousands of jobs in New York and to prevent steep property tax increases as a result of inaction. New Yorker’s should expect nothing less.”
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