Hometown News: Another Day, Another Special Session

Governor David Paterson is calling state Senate Democrats back to Albany for another special session this afternoon. The governor is making good on his promise to continue calling special sessions until the power struggle over the Senate is resolved. Deposed majority leader Malcolm Smith had threatened that he and other Democrats were going home after holding a five-minute special session without voting on an issue. Republicans did not attend after issues of legality were raised. Governor Paterson threatened to go to court to keep Democrats in Albany, which did not sit well with state Senator Eric Adams

As of late Wednesday, both Senate Democrats and Republicans say they're planning to attend this afternoon's 3 p.m., session.The governor is also consulting with the state Comptroller's office to dock pay and stipends since the political coup began two-weeks ago.
Paterson insists calling the state Senate back for a special session is within his authority. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says Senators are getting down to making a deal.

State Senator Jeff Klein notes the state Constitution allows the governor to recall just state Senators to Albany for a special session. But Klein is not certain if any of the measures approved during Tuesday's special session would stand up to a legal challenge.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says vital state programs face a 1-billion-dollar risk if the chaos in the state Senate continues. With less than a week left to come up with a solution, DiNapoli is calling for responsible leadership, and urging lawmakers to pass legislation. Without Senate action by June 30th, local governments will be looking at a potential 750-million-dollars in revenue losses. More than 30 counties are facing the loss of up to 25-percent of their sales tax revenues, which would likely lead to drastic cuts in every level of local government across the state.