Hometown News: Capital Chaos

State lawmakers in Albany are heading home for the weekend without resolving the power struggle over the state Senate. Senate Democrats refused to attend a session convened by Republicans for a fourth consecutive day. Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson refuses to acknowledge the political coup putting Republicans and one defiant Democrat in charge. State Senator Eric Schneiderman calls the negotiations difficult.

But both sides did agree to keep sending paychecks to Senators and staff before leaving for the weekend. Democratic conference officials say they plan to file an appeal to the decision made earlier this week by a state judge to not interfere in the power struggle and let the senators figure it out for themselves.

Democrat state Senator Pedro Espana Jr., who broke away from the party in an attempt to lead the Republican takeover of the Senate, claims the chamber is no longer deadlocked. Espana claims that his position as president pro tempore also makes him acting lieutenant governor, giving him a second vote. Other Democrats of course disagree.They will file a motion to try and keep Espada from acting as temporary president of the Senate.

If state Senators don't resolve their leadership dispute and return to session, dozens of counties could be looking at increasing property taxes. The New York State Association of Counties says that there are 36 home rule bills pending that would extend the current sales tax rates in 36 counties and New York City. Without those bills being enacted, county leaders say the only alternatives are to cut services and jobs or increase property taxes.