State Sen. James Seward expressed optimism after the acrimonious impasse that brought the New York State Senate to a virtual halt for five weeks finally came to an end on Thursday.
The stale-mate ceased when Senator Pedro Espada, Jr., who had left the Democratic party to join the Republicans, reversed his decision, swinging the majority back to the Democratic side, allowing the Democrats to re-establish control of the Senate. Locally, and throughout the State, voters and local officials voiced their anger at the halt of activity in the Senate, which lasted for nearly five weeks.
The Senate convened on Thursday night after 31 days of stand-off, and took immediate action on 135 bills that had lain untouched since the turmoil began back on June 8. Among the measures that were acted upon were several bills which will allow local governments to keep property taxes down. In addition, a bill which provided the extension of the Power for Job program that could help upstate businesses obtain affordable energy and improve the economy over-all.
Seward, in a press release issued Friday morning said, “Historic reforms are being put into place that will create a more open, bipartisan and member-driven senate. These long overdue reforms will enable all senators to move bills to the floor and give the public a greater window into the legislative process through the Internet and new CSPAN style programming.
“During the impasse I stood firm in the belief that the result would be a long-term power sharing agreement that would bring meaningful reforms to the New York State Senate,” said Seward, “My goal was to restore upstate’s voice in state issues.” He continued, “Since the start of the year, upstate New York has suffered as New York City political bosses took over each and every top leadership post in state government. Their accomplishments include a record spending state budget that was written in secret, $2,400 in new taxes on families, higher health insurance costs and an abandonment of our upstate business community. This has to change.”
Seward reaffirmed his commitment to continue to work for the good of upstate residents. “I will continue to work with all sides in Albany to bring the best results for those who live and work in the 51st district. Property tax relief, spending restraint and economic development have been forgotten. I am hopeful this impasse will remind them that these must be priorities.” He continued by saying, “We need a strong voice in Albany speaking on behalf of the struggling families and upstate businesses for a change. I will be that voice, and I will continue the call for openness and transparency in state government that will end closed door deals, rising taxes and out of control government spending.”
Albany, N.Y. —
