Senator Helming Statement on Democrat Bill S.5357 to ‘End Certain Executive Powers’

I voted no on this bill because it does not repeal the Governor’s emergency powers. In fact, it is so egregious as to extend the Governor’s powers beyond the original April 30 expiration to the unknown end of the pandemic. 

My constituents and all New Yorkers deserve better from their elected officials. 

The Governor and Majority Leaders have turned their backs on New Yorkers with a deal that lets the Governor keep his powers, under the guise of legislative oversight. 

There is no legislative authority in this bill. There is only legislative review and comment, and what’s worse, only by the Majority Leaders and committee chairs, who are all Democrats. Minority Republicans are shut out. 

This bill is a disgrace. It gives the Governor everything he wants, and nothing that New Yorkers need.

I have fought for months to restore balance in the Legislature. To protect the co-equal branches of government in our Constitution. Nineteen times we tried to bring my bill to repeal the Governor’s unilateral powers to the Senate floor. Nineteen times it was rejected by the Senate Majority. 

Senate Democrats have shown they have no interest in returning the Legislature to its lawful role or doing the work our constituents elected us to do. They have caved to the Governor, handing him a victory and New Yorkers a defeat.