There is still no deal in Albany over just who has control of the state Senate. The power struggle that has brought gridlock to the Senate for over a week continues as both Democrats and Republicans maintain they are in control of the chamber. Meanwhile, dozens of bills still need to be voted on before the current legislative session ends. Without a quorum, no bills are being debated or passed. Governor Paterson is calling on both sides to return to the Senate chamber and get back to doing the work of the people. Neither side in the leadership war in the state Senate is giving in. The Republican who claims to be Majority Leader -- Dean Skelos -- notes that Democratic Senators who've refused to go into session are still getting paid.
One bill in Albany which could get held up by the chaos in the Senate is a measure to tighten restrictions on teen drivers. The bill was approved unanimously in the Assembly Wednesday, but it is uncertain if the Senate will reconvene. The measure would require teen drivers to pass 50 hours of behind the wheel training before getting a license, up from 20 hours. It would also limit non-family passengers under the age of 21 to just one, when a teen is driving. Teen drivers also would not be able to plea to lesser offenses on traffic violations like speeding and would have to obtain a learner's permit for at least six months before getting a license. The bill also bans texting while driving for all ages.
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