Amid genuine concerns that Gov. Cuomo has used this opportunity to expand his emergency powers, the Assembly Minority proposed a plan that would require state officials to update the Legislature on the effectiveness and distribution of the $40 million effort we approved tonight. This is not only a reasonable request, but it is how a properly-functioning government actually operates. Unfortunately, members of the Majority rejected this basic level of transparency and accountability.

Moving forward, I sincerely hope the governor is prepared to work with the Legislature in a manner that sets aside the grandstanding and dysfunction we experienced today. And I hope my colleagues in the Majority are prepared to demand proper legislative processes and full transparency, rather than serving as the governor’s rubber stamp. We are dealing with a serious public health matter. And the 20 million New Yorkers we are trying to protect deserve an open, focused and serious approach in every step of this process.”