06/23/2009
Paterson Says 'Civil Rights' on Agenda in Special NY Senate Session
Yesterday, New York Governor David Paterson issued a proclamation convening an emergency session of the Senate today, the NYDN reports.
Said Paterson: "We will call the Senate into session every day until the people's business is discharged and deliberations are held on a number of important issues, we will be moving on to issues of reform, fiscal discipline and also civil rights."
Note that last issue.
He also said: "Interesting ideas or controversial pieces of legislation have always come to Albany to die. We are changing the culture here. We are going to give a hearing to those issues that the people want the Senate to deliberate on. The Senate will go back to work tomorrow. The people's business will resume at 3 o'clock."
WCBS reports: "While the governor can't force senators to vote on or debate bills, the New York Constitution grants him the power to call a special legislative session – and experts say he can even keep the senators in the state house with the help of state police."
Marriage equality is not expected to come up on the agenda today. But it is likely this week. CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR if you have not already. Information HERE.
Watch NYDN reporter Elizabeth Benjamin's video, AFTER THE JUMP...
Paterson's Proclamation Presser from Elizabeth Benjamin on Vimeo.
Posted 9:06 AM EST by Andy Towle in David Paterson, Gay Marriage, New York, News | Permalink
Like it?
Subscribe to FREE Towleroad daily headlines with our RSS feed!
RECENT STORIES:
Comments
You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.
It appears as if David Paterson is the true "fierce advocate" for gay rights that Obama claims to be. Obama should take some notes.
I'm not a New Yorker, but all hail David Paterson!
Posted by: Bobby | Jun 23, 2009 9:17:35 AM
So this is what a real "fierce advocate" looks and acts like. Obama are you taking notes?
Posted by: Wayne | Jun 23, 2009 10:59:55 AM
so cool. it may happen this week? god, i hope so. Its NY! if it can't be done here...
Posted by: Sarah | Jun 23, 2009 3:28:58 PM