The New Look New York State Senate

After taking control of the State Senate a couple weeks ago, the Senate Republicans still have not issued a public agenda. There are several questions people are talking about when it comes to the new Republican-controlled State Senate. Who are going to be the new Party Leaders? And will the GOP continue its cooperation with the Independent Democratic Conference? Senator James Seward said he would like to continue the partnership with the IDC. Jeffery Klein, the leader of the IDC said he would want to cooperate with the state Republicans again even though he said while campaigning we would work with Democrats if they won the Senate. In a private meeting on Monday Senator Dean Skelos unanimously became the leader of the Senate Republicans. The selection of Skelos was highly expected as he has led the Republican conference since 2008. “This a tremendous honor and privilege, and one I don’t take lightly.” Skelos stated.

Senator Dean Skelos has been very active since becoming the Senate GOP leader on Monday. Skelos has set up a meeting with the governor and the assembly to discuss a potential legislative pay raise. Legislators have not increased their annual salary since 1999, when it was increased to $79,500. 

The Senate GOP leader, Dean Skelos has rejected many of the proposed laws on Major Bill de Blasio’s agenda. Some of these proposed laws were the enacting a state DREAM Act, passing another minimum wage hike, and creating a public campaign finance system. Skelos has made it public that he is upset with Major Bill de Blasio for his unsuccessful attempts to help the Democrats regain control of the Senate in the recent election. Skelos stated that he would like to work with the Independent Democratic Conference and has set up meetings with the IDC leader, Jeffery Klein. Skelos has not explained how much power he will give to Klein and the IDC.

 

                                       (a Picture inside the New York Senate)