Where Things Currently Stand In Albany

Earlier today, NYAPRS provided a helpful summary on where things stand in Albany these days. At this time, it is unclear when the Senate will be fully functioning and passing legislation. Other than Timothy’s Law, which has been considered a priority bill for the Senate to pass before its December 31st expiration, it is unlikely that any of NYAIL’s priority bills will be acted upon this session. The NYAIL subcommittees have already begun to strategize on ways to push their bills through next year. We have also received word that we can expect at least one, if not multiple, fall special sessions to deal with the state’s economic crisis. As we hear more on that end, we will keep you posted and advise on how best the centers can strategize to avoid cuts to IL funding and other crucial programs for people with disabilities. Stay tuned for continued updates and actions on the Community Choice Act, as we continue to support ADAPT’s efforts in getting this bill included in any federal health care reform.

Thanks again to NYAPRS for the summary provided below.

Given the terrible fallout from this delay of the ‘people’s business’ and all of the bad publicity the Senators are getting, why would the parties tie up Albany this way?
Control of a house in the NYS Legislature has great advantages: the party in power has historically gotten to pick all of the committee chairs and control which legislation gets advanced let alone passed. Senators from that party have gotten higher pay, the largest offices and the ability to hire 3 times as many staff than their minority counterparts. Further, the party in power will soon get to draw the boundaries of each Congressional district and influence that party’s standing in NY’s Washington delegation.

What allowed this standoff to take place?
After years of Senate Republican rule, the Democrats won a scant 2 seat majority last year. They appeared to lose that control back to the Republicans when two NYC Democrats (Espada and Monserratte) switched sides and backed a Republican return to power. Then, Monserrate switched back and the two parties are deadlocked at 31-31. Neither party has conceded control to the other or has agreed to various power sharing proposals.

Have any bills been passed?
In Albany, both houses have to pass identical bills and those bills have to be approved or allowed by the Governor to become law. The Assembly left town after passing a host of legislation and several of these bills, including the one making NY’s mental health parity law permanent (Timothy’s Law) were passed by the Senate Democrats this past Monday when they claimed a 32 seat majority after a Republican Senator walked through the chamber when they were convening.

Will any of these bills become law?
It’s hard to say. While Governor Paterson has said he won’t sign any bills until the two parties come to an agreement, they could passively become law if he does not veto them. However, these bills would have to be formally sent to him by the Assembly which has declined to do so at the current time.