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Albany, NY - Senators to Seek Deal This Week |
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Monserrate and Espada the two dissident Democrats who help Republicans retake the Senate.
Significant differences remain between proposals by the Republican-led coalition and the Democratic conference, split 31-31 in the chamber. Hours after the joint press conference following a meeting with Gov. David Paterson, Democrats said they will consider additional proposals Wednesday, potentially signaling more obstacles to a deal.
"We think we are substantially there," said Republican Sen. Dean Skelos of Nassau County, the coalition's majority leader.
"I think we're working together in a good zone at this point," said Democratic conference leader John Sampson of Brooklyn, in an impromptu press conference after the governor's half-hour meeting.
"Everybody has proposals," said Democratic leader Malcolm Smith of Queens before the meeting. "It's a good sign."
Paterson didn't immediately comment.
Coalition leader Sen. Pedro Espada, a Bronx Democrat, said Thursday's target date is different from past deadlines that have passed without a deal, "because it is self-imposed, it's not coming from the governor."
"Thursday is a key day for the so-called amigos," Espada said, referring to Sens. Ruben Diaz and Hiram Monserrate. Those Democrats walked out of their conference Tuesday as it tried to hold a regular session, hours after meeting with Espada in a well publicized breakfast meeting.
"This has to end," Diaz said as he left the chamber. "It's too much abuse of the people." He wouldn't answer when asked if he would support Espada and the coalition he leads if there's no agreement by the Democratic conference on Thursday. He said he'd have further comment then.
Monserrate refused to comment.
The accord, if struck, could contain landmark reforms for Albany. The framework includes potential pieces that would create "co-leaders" and presiding officers who could alternate being in control, create a bipartisan committee to choose bills for floor debates, allow rank-and-file senators to get bills to the floor without their leader's consent, equally share offices and the resources that are perks office and campaign advantages.
Wednesday is also the first pay day that senators will miss, under an order from Paterson and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
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Read Comments (3) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 08, 2009 at 06:57 AM Anonymous Says:
These senators have abused their constituents for a month now and have been PAID for it!! When the time comes to vote I say we show them all where the door is and vote them OUT, A CLEAN SWEEP!! A new broom sweeps clean!! They are there to take everything and at a critical time like this, when the economy is bad, they should be there at 8:30 a.m. and working late, not coming in at 3::00 pm salute the flag turn around and walk out 3 minutes later!! None of us would have jobs if we worked like that, nor should they!!!
2
Jul 08, 2009 at 12:01 AM Anonymous Says:
Interesting wedensday is the first pay they'll miss and there goes the deal
3
Jul 08, 2009 at 08:12 AM AuthenticSatmar Says:
This may have been the best thing for NY polictics. What the proposal does is take away the power from the few leaders and shares it with everyone equally.