Albany Update Volume 4 - April 16, 2004 A Slow Start...A Slow Pace It had been nearly two weeks since the legislature left for its Spring Holiday Break. On Wednesday, members began their slow arrival back to their offices, after having taken some down time to be with their families, vacation to warmer climates, and enjoy the Passover and Easter Holidays. Hopefully, everyone came back rested and ready to work—and there is a lot of work that lies ahead. The budget seems to be at a virtual standstill. While some staff have admitted to meeting on various issues, any show of real progress has been nonexistent. There has been no agreement on a revenue number. No detailed response or plan by either house on how to address the school funding issues has been put forth. Discussions on major budget issues are moving at a snail's pace. All of these factors indicate to those of us who have been around for many years that a budget is many weeks away. Top level staff on all three sides seem to think that this will be one of those years when the end of session and a budget resolution all happen at the same time. So when will that be? Most are still betting that the Legislature will be back home in their District Offices in time for 4th of July festivities. This leaves about 11 weeks of work ahead. PLENTY of time! Just a reminder - in the Assembly May 3rd is the last day that bills can go directly from committee to the floor. After that, the bills will go to the Rules Committee first. This just adds another layer to the process. For the Senate, the cut off date is the 21st of May. Hope you all had a Happy and Healthy Spring Holiday Season! We will keep you posted. Upcoming Fundraisers Monday, April 19th Assem. Bill Scarbough[D] Albany $250 Assem. Scott Stringer [D] Chair, Cities - NYC $175 Assem. Keith Wright [D] Chair, Election Law - Albany $250 Tuesday, April 20th Assem. Jack McEney [D] Chair, Majority Steering Committee - Albany $175 Thursday, April 22nd Assem. Bill Relilich [R] Ranking Member, Alcoholism - Brockport $250 Monday, April 26th Assem. Paul Tokasz [D] Majority Leader - Albany $500 Tuesday, April 27th Assem. Steven Sanders [D] Chair, Education - Albany $250 Assem. Helene Weinstein [D] Chair, Judiciary - Albany $350 If you have any questions about fundraisers, please call Sandy in the Albany office, 518 462-4620. Back to newsletter list

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