WXXI: Paterson and Leaders Reach Some Agreements, Leave Major Issues Unsettled (2008-06-18)

Governor David Paterson and legislative leaders announced agreement on three issues, including the end to mandatory overtime for nurses in New York, but remain stalemated on most major items, including a property tax cap.

Governor Paterson emerged from a closed door meeting with all four Majority and Minority Party legislative leaders, and announced that they had reached agreement on ending the requirement that nurses be forced to work extra hours after their shift is finished. The law will be delayed by a year to allow hospitals to adjust. Paterson says it's hoped that the change in the rules will encourage many nurses who have quit the profession to come back to work.

The second agreement would remove teachers convicted of felonies or who are on sex offender registries. The third allows electric utility customers with on site electric generating systems to sell the excess power back to the utility.

With just five days to go until the end of the legislative session, there are no agreements on how to help victims of the sub prime loan crisis, or on a measure to permit workers paid family leave. Paterson says he and the leaders are talking about revamping the state's Industrial Development Agencies, and public authority reform. The governor admits that any agreement on a property tax cap is unlikely before the June 23rd close of the session.

"It is probably likely that we can't come to some agreement in the next few days," said Paterson. "But we are continuing the conversations."

Last week, a news conference following a leaders meeting devolved into bickering as the Senate Leader Joe Bruno, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, made their opening statements. This time, the leaders were not invited to offer comments. That did not stop Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedicso, though, from making his views known on the property tax cap.

The exchange began when a reporter asked a question about the state's new policy for transgendered youth in state youth detention centers. Following a court decision, the centers are now making opposite gender clothing available to the transgendered teens at the facilities. Tedisco asked Paterson if he could comment, and was granted permission.

"In the midst of a crisis with property taxes now, where people can't afford to live in New York State, to provide undergarments for people of the opposite sex with tax payers dollars," Tedisco began. He continued. "Where will we stop, will we have to purchase culottes, will we have to purchase dresses, will we have to purchase high heels, do they need lipstick and eyeliner?" Tedisco asked sarcastically. "There comes a point where people can abuse the system in this sense."

Paterson let Tedisco finish, then regained the podium.

"That was Assemblyman Jim Tedisco advocating for property tax caps for the transgendered community," said Paterson, to laughter.

Later, Senate Leader Bruno advocated for the Republicans' proposal for a gas tax holiday this summer. But that issue is also unlikely to happen anytime soon.