Albany Update Volume 4 - May 7, 2004 Legislative News Early this week long-time New York City Senator, Guy Velella, pleaded guilty to felony charges and will spend as much as a year in jail. This turn of events has left a very important Senate seat open. Shortly after this announcement, democratic Assemblyman Jeffrey Klein, announced his plans to run for Senator Velella’s seat. Assemblyman Klein had earlier intimated his intentions to run for Attorney General, but seems to have abandoned those plans for a run at a seat in the Senate. Assemblyman Klein, however, will not be alone in this race. Fellow democratic colleague, Stephen Kaufman, has also announced his intentions to run for the seat, but may be trying to run on both the democratic and republican lines. By throwing his hat into the ring in such a manner, Assemblyman Kaufman has set the stage for what will probably be the most competitive legislative race this year. The importance of this seat goes beyond the personal goals of the Assemblyman. The Senate Democrats could be looking at gaining back two New York City seats, which were lost to Republicans: Senator Velella’s seat and Senator Mendez’s seat. Budget News In contrast to the high level of intensity around the loss of Senator Velella, the budget process has virtually come to a stand still. With all three sides being diametrically opposed on important issues, it is not likely that a resolution will happen soon. This has been the first year in many when the Memorial Day weekend is approaching and the prospect of a budget is no where in sight. Insiders are speculating on whether or not the Senate will pass its own version of a bill, with the possible blessings of the Governor, and then leave town for much of the summer. In order for this to happen, both houses would have to pass a budget extender beyond the one week extenders that have become part of daily life in the legislature. Back to newsletter list

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