NY Legislature holds not-so-special session

By By the Associated Press

Story Created: Jul 29, 2010 at 5:38 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 29, 2010 at 5:38 AM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The New York Legislature's "extraordinary session" to finally pass the late state budget Wednesday night was anything but extraordinary, with nine senators not showing up and no agreements on which to vote.

An angry Gov. David Paterson warned he will keep forcing lawmakers back to Albany until the budget that was due April 1 is passed. The next session is today.

Two days of session costs nearly $100,000 in per diem expense checks of about $170 a day for lawmakers and the cost of travel, staff lodging, meals, utilities and more.

The Senate's Democratic majority was lacking five members in the rare summer session forced by Paterson. As a result, the majority didn't have the 32 votes needed to pass the last remaining bill needed to finish the state budget.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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