Lawmakers React to Start of Legislative Session
Overview
The 2025 legislative session kicked off at the State Capitol in Albany on January 8, with lawmakers arriving ready to discuss the issues they want to address during the session.
Interviews with Lawmakers
State Senator Michael Gianaris
State Senator Michael Gianaris, a democrat who represents the 12th Senate District and serves as the Deputy Leader, described the legislature as “historic” due to the election of Andrea Stewart-Cousins to serve as the majority leader. He also highlighted affordability as an issue he hopes to address in the session.
“What we need to do is roll up our sleeves and make the cost of living in New York more affordable,” Gianaris said. “Personally, I’d love to see universal childcare throughout the state, I think that would help people a great deal. The Governor has leaned in on something we’ve already been in support of, which is universal school lunches, more things like that, that will help alleviate the burden on people’s finances and family budgets.”
Assemblymember Steve Hawley
Assemblymember Steve Hawley, a republican who represents the 139th Assembly district and serves as the Deputy Minority Leader in the assembly, emphasized the need to help people in their time of need and stay out of their pockets when things are going well.
“We need to help people in their time of need and we need to stay out of their pockets when things are going relatively well,” Hawley said. “Hopefully, we get back on track and stop the outmigration of people and businesses, and help them to stay here and raise their children and their grandchildren, expand their businesses, and hopefully attract more businesses coming into the state. Somehow, we have to stop the outflow.”
Conclusion
The start of the 2025 legislative session marks a new chapter in the state’s political landscape, with lawmakers from both parties expressing their priorities and goals for the coming year. As the session progresses, it will be interesting to see how these goals are addressed and the impact they have on the lives of New Yorkers.
FAQs
Q: What are the main issues that lawmakers want to address in the 2025 legislative session?
A: Affordability, universal childcare, and universal school lunches are among the key issues that lawmakers are focusing on.
Q: What is the significance of the election of Andrea Stewart-Cousins as the majority leader?
A: The election of Andrea Stewart-Cousins as the majority leader marks a historic moment in the state’s political landscape, with many lawmakers viewing it as a symbol of progress and change.
Q: What is the outlook for the 2025 legislative session?
A: The outlook for the 2025 legislative session is optimistic, with lawmakers from both parties expressing their commitment to working together to address the state’s challenges and improve the lives of New Yorkers.
