Espada Thinks Albany Can Avoid Shutdown

Aw, look at this: Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx), who just last week said he wouldn't mind shutting down the government, now says he believes the State Senate will pass the budget extender bill that would keep Albany open. According to WABC 7, he said, "As we vote on the extenders in a bi-partisan way, we will get 32 votes to pass it. There will be no shutdown. But New Yorkers really know that what we really need is a complete fiscal plan for New York state."

Um, yeah—Albany is now over two months late on a budget, because the various parts of the Legislature can't agree on the cuts needed, and it must to vote on an emergency bill to keep the government running (with payments to school districts, hospitals, etc.) each week. However, since there are huge cuts in certain areas, like health care, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) said, "I will not vote for more cuts. So I'm voting no... Let the Republicans cut. I'm a Democrat and Democrats protect services for the poor and needy, they don't cut them." Hmm—hope Espada wasn't counting on his vote!

According to the Daily News, "A number of Republican senators said they expect the GOP will provide the necessary votes. Still, they weren't committing publicly until seeing the final version of the bill." Governor Paterson gave another warning—"We are in a dangerous, dangerous situation as we are close to being insolvent," "We're sort of in quicksand now"—but added, "It's June and it's the Senate and one never really knows what's going to happen in the Senate." That's a real vote of confidence right there!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on June 14, 2010 8:33 AM

Comments [rss]

Yorkvillian1

Pedro Espada makes me sick. His disingenuity and total lack of regard for good governance or integrity is beyond the pale for a New York Senator, especially given the current political and economic climate. He's a crook who needs to go!

There is actually a fairly competitive race to replace Pedro up in the Bronx. One of the candidates, Gustavo Rivera, was a field coordinator for the Obama campaign and outreach director for Senator Gillibrand, and seems to be quite reform-minded. For people who think that Pedro needs to lose, I'd consider helping this guy out (http://www.gustavoforstatesena....

John Clavis

It's amazing to me how people can tell themselves that all of our problems are caused by the poorest, least powerful, least politically-connected people of all. Somehow, it's never a problem caused by corrupt politicians being bribed by the people who fund their campaigns and their party to turn government into a source of income for the richest, most powerful people... no, it's always the homeless mothers and crack addicts ruining everything. However will we overcome the awesome political might of that crazy little guy who sings "Red River Valley" over and over again on the Astoria N train?

Dr.Doctor

+1 Amen.

John Clavis

The only idiots who sponge off the system are the billionaire class who were the indirect beneficiaries of the financial bailout while using loopholes, offshore shelters and lax enforcement to avoid paying any taxes, thus starving the system. This country grew to its greatest height when the people who benefitted the most from exploiting America's resources actually paid their dues.

ma bell

actually good sir this country grew to its greatest heights by working for it. instead, folks like you have sabotaged the system with your phony claims that the vote buying politics of the empty suits you vote for are designed to help the little guy. greatness doesn't come with an outstretched hand begging. in fact, if your politicians continue to promise freebees, you have bought yourself a voter for life.

the problems aren't caused by the poorest. they're caused by the politicians who keep those people in the ghettos by giving them just enough to survive but not enough to let them realize what their full value is. you think the poor are stupid morons that need your genious to survive. i believe they can do it by themselves if you just let them.

Bottomless Chips

However, since there are huge cuts in certain areas, like health care, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) said, "I will not vote for more cuts. So I'm voting no... Let the Republicans cut. I'm a Democrat and Democrats protect services for the poor and needy, they don't cut them." Hmm—hope Espada wasn't counting on his vote!

Democrats protect services for the poor and needy...

Hmm more like, "We make huge promises and create these bloated social programs."

Ah, to be a Diaz-like Democrat...make promises that you're going to save the world, stroke your ego, and pretend to be a champion of the blue-collar folk only to leave them stranded because you make empty promises, and then deflect all the blame to the Republicans for "cutting" your programs.

In my eyes, this is a good thing. The lower class in the state can finally see that not all Republicans are privileged; maybe they're actually onto something with the fewer taxes, less spending thought process.