Legislative leaders have vowed to keep working laws until now and the end of the legislative session in June, possibly working remotely to do the people’s business.
Some worry that New York lawmakers are not ready to properly protect and provide for the well-being of residents needs.
Last week legislative leaders established a system for remote voting, but it appears to be mainly for voting on the governor’s initiatives.
Currently, four members of the Assembly and one senator have tested positive for COVID-19.
Governor Andrew Cuomo doubts that the Democratic-led legislature will get things done with remote voting.
Yonkers’ Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says the session is not over, but the governor thinks that it’s effectively over.
Governor Andrew Cuomo had several policy wins in the budget as the legislature rubber stamped his desires during the pandemic.
Voting advocates say in light of the ongoing pandemic the legislature and governor should expand absentee voting.
Many voters think that now that the budget is finalized its time for lawmakers to address urgent policy issues and COVID-19 related legislation like expanding absentee voting.
Following a planned post-budget two week break, lawmakers only have 19 session days remaining on the calendar.
There is no word on if legislative leaders intend to work past the scheduled conclusion of the session on June 2nd.
Last week, Stewart-Cousins made clear, for the moment at least, she intends to continue working.
“We’ll be meeting again, and we’ll be accomplishing so much more.”
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