Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) joined members of the Assembly Minority Conference in a letter to Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins calling on the removal of the governor’s extraordinary powers. One way the Minority Conference is hoping to limit Gov. Cuomo’s expanded authority is through a bill (A.10546) that would limit the governor’s powers and increase local authority during future emergencies.

“When we voted on the bill to grant $40 million in emergency appropriations for the state back in March and included “disease outbreak” to the governor’s expanded powers, little did we know that his overreaching authority would continue for the duration of the year,” said Walsh. “In such challenging times, it’s so important for the Legislature to show a sense of unity and work on behalf of our constituents, as we know what’s best for them and for our communities. As we head into a new legislative session, it’s vital that the Legislature’s powers are restored to those who were elected to represent them, so we can truly get to work and make effective, positive change on behalf of our residents.”