In Political Gridlock, Chance for Reform

The D.C. Writeup ^ | Alex Henderson

[Alex Henderson- D.C. Write Up]

The crippling gridlock in the New York State Senate is actually an opportunity — state lawmakers have a one-time chance to reform the legislature’s fundamental partisan flaws.

The Senate is in a deadlock between Democrats and Republicans, with each party possessing 31 members of the 62-seat senate. New York Gov. David Patterson has called for a special session of the Senate every day since the regular session of the Senate ended on Jun. 22 without voting on basic appointments and legislation. Both parties rebuffed the governor by convening separately for a total of three minutes to satisfy only the minimum necessary time commitment to meet his demand for a special session. 
 


The Associated Press has found a systemic cause for the intensity of this partisan bickering: “In New York’s Legislature,” the AP reports, “the majority in control of either the Senate or Assembly has nearly absolute control over what bills are passed. Majority lawmakers also get substantial perks, leadership stipends and resources, and usually get showered with more campaign donations.”

It seems New York’s legislature is designed to silence minorities and cripple their ability to make a comeback against their majority opponents. It’s no wonder that senators are fighting so desperately for power despite the fact that it has compromised their ability to legislate effectively.

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