Statement from Senator Borrello on Governor’s Press Briefing and Emergency Powers ‘Backroom Deal’

“After a month of unprecedented and disturbing revelations concerning the Governor’s nursing home data cover-up, the bullying of legislators and allegations of sexual harassment, today we added another troubling item to that list: that the New York State Legislature’s majority leadership is more committed to party loyalty than they are to serving the best interests of New Yorkers.  

“Instead of repealing the Governor’s emergency powers as so many on both sides of the aisle have called for,  they have essentially chosen to extend his executive authority, virtually indefinitely, until he deems it no longer necessary. This is a shameful continuation of the dereliction of duty on the part of the Legislature.

“Nothing more vividly underscores the complicity of legislative leaders in this brazen backroom deal than the fact that they allowed him to announce the terms of their ‘repeal’ legislation. What is occurring is a slap in the face to New Yorkers who want to see accountability, transparency and integrity restored to their government. And it’s an affront to all the legislators – of both parties – who have been outraged by the Governor’s actions and calling on legislative leaders to rescind his powers. This situation is a disgraceful commentary on the state of our state.”  

###