Albany Update Volume 4 - June 18, 2004 And the Beat Goes On...... In what would traditionally be an exciting week as we come close to wrapping up the 2004 Legislative session, has turned into "much ado about nothing". Earlier news of discussions about a $1.2 billion restoration to the budget (outside of education), has all but faded. Talks of three way negotiations are still around, but they are not any closer to resolving issues than they were several months ago. The latest news is that the Governor is going to send down a 6 week budget extender that will allow the state to pay its bills until August 2nd. Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno in an impromptu press conference yesterday voiced his frustration with the Assembly's unwillingness to talk seriously about a budget outside of the CFE discussions. He felt is was important to get a budget done for the people of New York. Senator Bruno has said that his conference will go home Tuesday the 22nd and will pass the 6 week extender. This leaves the ball in Speaker Silver's court. By passing a 6 week extender both houses have all but agreed that nothing substantive will happen until August. Analysts, staff and pundits are still surprised by the result of this year's session, given the fact that it is such a big election year with important conventions this summer. Early predictions were that there would be a relatively on time budget and session would wrap up on schedule. This just proves that no matter how long any of us have been in the business, anything can (an usually does) happen. Assemblyman Ron Tocci This week Assemblyman Ronald Tocci announced his retirement from the Legislature after 22 years. Mr. Tocci, a Democrat, represents the 91st District (New Rochelle). He was chair of the Veteran's Affairs Committee and the Subcommitte on Harbors and Coastal Zones. He is retiring because of "family obligations." Upcoming Fundraisers Monday, June 21st Assem. John Lavelle [D] Albany $250 Tuesday, February 24th Assem. Pat Casale [R] Albany $250 Thursday, June 24th Senator Carl Andrews [D] Ranking Member, Civil Service - Brooklyn $100 Monday, June 28th NYS Republican State Committee Honoring George Pataki - Albany, $300 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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