New York Governor David Paterson has called for an "extraordinary session" of the legislature to be convened in two weeks:
"Paterson wants what is technically called an extraordinary session on Nov. 10 that would address the deficit and take on unfinished business. The regular session ended in June.
The special session is expected to include a possible vote by the Senate to give final legislative approval to a same-sex marriage bill. Paterson has predicted the bill will be passed and signed into law in coming weeks.
Paterson also is asking legislative leaders to call a rare joint session of the Legislature on Nov. 9, where he plans to address the Senate and Assembly on the need to act on the deficit and reduce spending.
The governor also has scheduled a public meeting with legislative leaders Thursday in New York City."
Paterson had originally said he would call for the session this Wednesday. That has apparently been pushed back. At last week's dinner for the Empire State Pride Agenda, Paterson predicted a vote on marriage in the weeks ahead, and said he's confident it will pass. Paterson, however, does not have the power to force the Senate to take up a specific issue.
