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A United Senate
November 24th, 2009

Gov. David Paterson sure knows how to bring people together. Senate Democratic Conference Leader and Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos say that they stand together against Paterson’s budget proposal and the notion of giving him the power to cut the budget himself.

Both men say they may work on “improving” Paterson’s deficit reduction plan or perhaps come up with one of their own.  They admitted they would like to attain a three-way deal if possible.

“Senators Sampson & Skelos commit to bipartisan work to negotiate a responsible DRP that’s better than the Governor’s; Senate stands at ease.” Tweeted Michael Kink, chief policy adviser to the Senate, this afternoon.

There has been plenty of talk about a possible budget deal between Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Gov. David Paterson. Both men appear more willing to make cuts to education. Silver has said he would prefer a three-way deal but refused to rule out a deal between the Assembly and Paterson.

Regardless of what direction the newly united Senate leaders decide to take, they aren’t likely to make it official until next week. The Senate is scheduled to return on Monday.

Paterson’s request to be given the power to balance the budget on his own accord has truly ruffled some feathers. Sen. Neil Breslin questioned the constitutionality of the measure. He said he didn’t think legislators should be in any rush to give up any of their responsibilities.

“Anybody who would vote for that doesn’t deserve to be in office,” said Skelos.

By David King on November 24, 2009, 2:12 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

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One Response to “A United Senate”

  1. Larry Littlefield Says:
    November 25th, 2009 at 8:56 am

    They want to borrow money, further degrading a future they don’t care about. And they want every vested interest to stay vested.

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