This update from HRC’s field organizers on the ground in Albany and news reports:
The New York Senate session is now over for the day. The Democrats gaveled in, acknowledged that the bills passed in yesterday’s special session were invalid because they weren’t passed concurrently in the House and Senate, Dems gave a few quick speeches and then they gaveled out.
Beforehand, GOP Senators sued the Secretary of the Senate Angelo Aponte to prevent him from “interfering or threatening Senate staff person so as to interfere with (the GOP’s) ability to participate in legislative sessions.” This means they want Aponte to stop telling the sergeant at arms to keep the GOP off the rostrum, to stop turning off the lights and locking the doors, and to give them (the GOP) the bill jackets. The case went to Judge McNamara today at 1pm. McNamara, who threw out the Dem’s previous case against the Republicans, threw out this lawsuit as well. McNamara is calling both parties into his chamber on Friday.
So, what could happen next?
- For the Governor to pass his priority bills he will need to call back both the House and Senate.
- To resolve the leadership issue, either the courts or some form of arbitration will need to decide who the majority leader is.
- We continue to hear that our grassroots efforts are effective and we’ll continue to mobilize our members in targeted districts.
From what we’re hearing, even though there is a delay in passing the marriage bill, the bill is still alive. There is a long list of legislation that must be passed soon and that should prompt some resolution in the next few weeks. Stay tuned to Back Story for updates.
In the meantime, continue to TAKE ACTION and contact your Senators.
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