NYS Leaders Respond to Special Election Bill Put on Hold
Controversial Bill Aims to Give Governor More Time to Call Special Elections
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)—State leaders are responding to questions after a controversial bill which would have given the governor more time to call special elections was put on hold Monday.
Senate Majority Leader Weighs In
Senate Majority Leader Andrea-Stewart Cousins was asked about the bill Tuesday morning.
“This is a conversation that we had with the governor around increasing voter turnout, around saving people money and certainly around her having more time to be flexible in terms of when she calls an election,” said Stewart-Cousins. “So, it began with her, and if she’s interested in holding it, that’s fine. You know, it’s okay.”
Reason for Delay Unclear
Later in the press conference, Stewart-Cousins was asked by a reporter if she could confirm if the delay came from the governor and if not, what the reason was for the delay.
“I think that people were willing to put it on hold for the moment,” responded the Majority Leader.
Assembly Republicans Criticize Bill
Senate and Assembly Republicans have deeply criticized the bill, calling it a political power grab that would leave the North Country without a Congressional representative for several months.
Assembly Minority Leader Weighs In
Assembly Minority leader, Will Barclay shared with News10 how he learned the bill was put on hold.
“I talk to a lot of my Democratic colleagues, and they informed me it wasn’t going to move forward,” said Barclay.
When asked if he was told why, he responded, “No, but they were quick conversations, so I didn’t ask why, but hopefully they saw the light and realized even in Albany, when it’s this blatantly partisan, maybe they had a spat of consciousness, I don’t know.”
Governor’s Office Stays Silent
Other outlets have reported it was the governor who wanted to pause the bill, as it could be used as leverage in congestion pricing talks with President Trump.
News10 asked the Governor’s Office if she asked for the special election bill to be held, but we have not yet gotten a response.
Uncertain Future for the Bill
It’s still unclear whether the bill will be brought up at a different time.
FAQs
* What is the special election bill?
The bill would give the governor more time to call special elections.
* Why did the bill get put on hold?
The reason for the delay is unclear, with some sources citing the governor and others citing Democratic colleagues.
* Will the bill be brought up again?
It’s unclear at this time, but some are speculating that it may be used as leverage in congestion pricing talks with President Trump.
