"No-shows'" and no votes, in special budget session

Governor Paterson called legislators back to Albany after a month-long absence to try to force them to complete the state budget. Several Senate Republicans and Democrats, along with Senate president Malcolm Smith, did not show up for the session. For the lawmakers present in Albany, the session was quickly deemed futile. “It’s a waste of time, it’s a waste of money,” said Senator Ruben Diaz. “The governor is adding to the deficit of the state of New York by calling us here to do nothing.”

Both houses gaveled in and gaveled back out within a matter of minutes without acting on any of Paterson’s bills. The governor had issued a lengthy list of agenda items including a revised revenue bill with new taxes on clothing and expanded state-sponsored gambling. Paterson is also seeking a plan to give public colleges and universities more financial autonomy, including the right to set their own tuitions. He hopes to create a contingency plan should expected federal Medicaid monies fail to materialize. The State Assembly approved the tax and fee bill in early July, but Senate Democrats failed to garner the 32 votes needed to pass the measure. Senate Democrats refused to accept the governor’s new revenue bill.

Senate Democrats do favor some version of the two proposals. William Stachowski of Buffalo and Brian Foley of Long Island, both of whom have public universities in their districts, say they won’t vote for the rest of the budget until the SUNY-CUNY autonomy plan is in place.“ I would hope that they continue to negotiate,” Senator Stachowski said.    

The state’s shaky finances are poised to worsen if the revenue bill isn’t passed. Paterson’s budget officials already predict a cash flow crisis by September 1^stand are seeking permission from the legislature to delay a multi-billion dollar school aid payment until later that month.

The Governor’s special session was called on the same day that Independent Counsel Judith Kaye’s report concerning Paterson’s involvement in a top aid’s domestic violence case was released. Lawmakers including Senator Diaz speculated that the governor called the special session in order to divert attention from the report. “Maybe he wanted to deviate attention from what’s coming today, thinking he’s was going to be found guilty,” said Diaz. “Who knows?”

 Paterson grew angry at the suggestion. The legislature always finds a reason why they’re the victim, when in fact the people of the State of New York are the victims,” said Paterson. “They are the ones who are now approaching 120 days late on the budget.” Paterson said he has not yet read Kaye’s report and could not comment.

The report found that while Paterson had made some “errors in judgment,” in contacting the alleged victim in a sexual assault case, he did nothing illegal. Another session to finish the budget has been called for next Thursday.