Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith Meets With New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

(New York, NY)- Newly elected State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith met today with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to discuss the impact of the financial crisis on the City and State of New York. Senate Democrats have made economic growth and revitalization their top priority as they prepare to lead the Chamber for the first time in more than 40 years. 

At the meeting, the officials spoke about the Senate Majority's commitment to reviving the economy and improving economic opportunities for working families through job creation and economic development. Senate Majority Leader Smith and Mayor Bloomberg discussed ways to address the State’s budget shortfall while protecting vital services like health care, education and public transportation.  

"Addressing the fiscal challenges facing the State and City of New York must be our number one priority," said Senator Smith.  "Senate Democrats are committed to working with the Mayor and local leaders to get our economy back on track and preserve New York City’s standing as the financial capitol of the world," said Senator Smith.  

"Facing the worst economic crisis in decades, we must protect everyday New Yorkers by creating good-paying jobs, ensuring continued access to an affordable and reliable mass transit system and securing adequate funding for our children to receive the quality education they deserve," said Smith. 

"Malcolm and I have worked together for a long time, but there's something special about being able to welcome him back to Gracie Mansion as the leader of the State Senate.  We have a daunting amount of work to do together to steer New York through these tough times, but the way the new Senate Majority Leader has wasted no time before rolling up his sleeves and getting to work should be extraordinarily encouraging to all New Yorkers," said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. 

Among the proposals discussed were:

•           The impact of the State Budget on New York City.

•           Metropolitan Transportation Authority issues.

•           Pension Reform.