Gov Paterson is trying to exert control over the Senate deadlock. He has appointed two mediators to attempt a deal tomorrow (Republican State Senator John Dunne and former LG Stan Lundine). And:
Paterson said that if both sides can not reach a leadership agreement by Tuesday, Court of Appeals Chief Justice Jonathan Lippman would serve as the Senate’s presiding officer.
While Paterson said initial agenda would be limited to time-sensitive legislation, he said other issues, including same-sex marriage and Tier 5 pension reform might be included in later sessions.
We can debate whether this is constitutional later. If the session goes forward, it means that our New York Equality coalition have a small window of time in which to urge the Senate to put marriage equality on the active list. (The “active list” is the list of bills that will be brought to the floor on any given day in session.)
We’re in full agreement with Senator Duane:
The Manhattan Democrat, who is carrying Gov. David Paterson’s marriage program bill, sent a letter to all of his fellow bill sponsors today in which he declares himself to be “deeply troubled” by the fact that neither Sen. Malcolm Smith nor Sen. John Sampson has pledged to bring the measure to the floor for a vote since the coup:
“I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support any Leader who does not demand that marriage equality come to the floor and pass in 2009. I urge that you, as a co-sponsor of the marriage equality legislation, will do the same.”
That’s why it’s very important that New York Equality supporters put the pressure on newly-selected Democratic Conference leader John Sampson to bring the bill to the floor. (He’s publicly ‘undecided’ on the issue.) You can use NYE’s handy-dandy (and FREE!) click-to-call tool to be connected to this office directly.
Do it today–the special session begins on Tuesday!
And don’t forget to follow us at @goMYD, tweet with #nyequality and join our Facebook page.
(P.S. Meanwhile, “coalition” conference GOP+Espada is saying there is no need for the governor to call a special session because they will be holding their own sessions every day this coming week; also, no need for a judge to preside–the Senate has a president pro tem, and his name is Pedro Espada Jr.)
