Statement By Austin Shafran, Spokesman For Senate President Malcolm A. Smith Re: Continued Obstruction By Senate Republicans

“Once again, Senate Republicans have put themselves first and the people last. By blocking legislation vital to the economic well-being of local governments across the state, New York now faces the loss of billions in revenue and hundreds of thousands of jobs. By holding New Yorkers hostage for their own personal gain, Republicans have jeopardized legislation with a fiscal impact of over $7 billion, including federal stimulus dollars for healthcare and education and funding for affordable housing and mortgage assistance. They have also threatened the livelihood of over 300,000 New Yorkers who rely upon an extension of the Power for Jobs program to protect their jobs. Republicans proved tonight who they stand for: themselves, not the people.”