Senator Aubertine Calls For Special Session

WATERTOWN (September 16, 2008)—State Senator Darrel Aubertine today called on the Governor and Senate Leadership to convene an emergency special session to deal with the worsening crisis in the financial sector. The Senator also said a special session would give us an opportunity to take a serious look at addressing home heating concerns this winter.

"This growing financial crisis has the potential to impact all of us in the state of New York, and because of that we need to act sooner rather than later," said Sen. Aubertine. "We cannot wait until more jobs are lost and more companies close their doors before the legislature reconvenes and considers solutions."

Senator Aubertine noted that the collapse of Lehman Brothers in recent days, as well as the sale of Merrill Lynch and the growing financial distress of AIG, could just be the tip of the iceberg. With this ripple spreading through financial markets, New York State faces the loss of thousands of jobs in the financial sector this year.

"We should immediately reconvene the Senate to meet with representatives of the financial sector, and other experts, so that we can design and enact steps that will stave off further crisis," said. Sen. Aubertine. "We cannot wait any longer, and I call on the Governor and Senate leadership to take whatever steps are necessary to address this issue."