Statement By Senate President And Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith And Democratic Conference Leader John L. Sampson

"Today, the Senate Republicans again brought disgrace and shame to the Senate when they attempted to conduct another sham legislative session. Governor Paterson called a special session so the Senate could act on legislation critical to millions of New Yorkers, but once again, the Senate Republicans showed they are so desperate for power, they tried to prevent real work from getting done. We are governing. We immediately passed the first five bills the Governor sent to the Senate, have just received nine more we will act on, and will continue to pass legislation as it is received from the Executive Chamber.”