State Relations Update - July 10, 2009

The "End" of Session

The Senate reconvened and reorganized last night, electing Senator Malcolm Smith President Pro-Tem who in turn appointed Senator Pedro Espada Majority leader which was approved by 32 Senators. After some majority-minority debating and procedural actions, the Senate approved 135 bills which will eventually be transmitted by the Assembly to the Governor for final action. The only higher education related bill of note deals with TAP - A.8864/S.6074 - which will assist students receiving TAP awards by allowing for an adjustment to such awards to accurately reflect a change in financial status under certain circumstances.

It is anticipated that the Senate will return to address member items and reform measures sometime shortly. In addition there appears to be some shifting in senior staff positions as a result of the "reformed" majority.

Steve Pigeon will become the majority leader’s general counsel and Angelo Aponte’s job as secretary will be restructured. Pigeon is a political advisor to Tom Golisano.