“I strongly support and will co-sponsor legislation that will revoke the governor’s emergency powers. Last March, when COVID-19 cases were skyrocketing and so much was unknown, we needed state government to respond quickly to limit the spread of the virus and save lives. So, an overwhelmingly bipartisan legislative majority granted the governor emergency powers to deal with the unprecedented crisis. Thankfully, that dark moment has passed, and it’s now time to get back to a normal working order.

“This legislation immediately revokes the emergency powers and ensures legislative oversight of extensions or amendments to existing directives. If there is a need to extend or modify any existing directives, the legislation requires that the legislature and local governments be consulted. This legislation increases transparency and restores the appropriate balance of power in government.

“I look forward to the passage of this legislation, which responsibly balances the need to respond to the pandemic with the need for co-equal branches of government. We have vaccinated millions of New Yorkers, new case rates are at their lowest levels since November, and the end of the pandemic is hopefully in sight. Meanwhile, recent reporting has raised serious concerns with the Governor’s behavior and actions taken by his administration. Therefore, I believe it’s now time to restore the balance of power in state government.”