Speaker & Majority Leader Announce Plans to Convene Session Next Week

NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 22, 2020

Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins Announce Plans to Convene Session Next Week
Temporary Rule Changes Adopted in March Allow for Remote Session

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today announced the Legislature plans to convene session next week to pass legislation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Committee meetings are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 26, with session scheduled for the days following. In the interest of public safety, strict social distancing measures will be in effect and temporary rule changes adopted earlier this year will continue to be utilized. Proceedings will take place using web-based teleconference and video conference.

"Over the last several weeks, my colleagues and I in the Assembly Majority have been working in our districts to respond to the urgent needs of our communities brought on by this public health crisis," said Speaker Heastie. "Across the state, members have been delivering food to essential workers and constituents, helping to establish testing sites, conducting wellness checks, aiding constituents with unemployment applications and distributing masks and hand sanitizer. We were able to see firsthand what our communities need to get through this, and we look forward to passing legislation to address these issues and concerns when we convene next week."

"The Senate will be convening session next week to pass legislation addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said. "While the work may look different, it very much continues. For the past several weeks Senators and their staffs have worked tirelessly to aid their constituents as we all struggle with this crisis. From helping the hungry and unemployed, to virtual town halls and legislative hearings, to coordinating with state agencies, Senators have continued working to serve New Yorkers and provide the government action and leadership needed during these difficult times."

Earlier this year, both the Senate and the Assembly passed resolutions providing for special temporary procedures during a declared state of emergency. The changes preserve the integrity of the legislative process, while keeping members, staff and others safe during the current COVID-19 outbreak and future declared states of emergency. All proceedings will be broadcast for public viewing.

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