With assistance from Shawn Ness
THEY DON’T HAVE THE VOTES: Gov. Kathy Hochul is still missing in action since her unexpected decision to suspend congestion pricing via video message. A legislative leader’s overseas trip adds to the challenge of finding a solution to the $1 billion deficit for the nation’s largest transit system as lawmakers prepare to leave for the year.
Lawmakers are racing against the clock in Albany during the final hours of this legislative session following the governor’s reversal on congestion pricing, leaving them to figure out how to make up for the lost revenue.
The urgency lies in the fact that they only have a few hours to address this funding crisis. Complicating matters is the lack of consensus among legislators.
State Sen. Julia Salazar expressed concerns, stating, “The governor is essentially asking us to provide the means to harm ourselves and our constituents.”
Efforts to close the funding gap have fallen short with proposed solutions failing to gain sufficient support. Lawmakers rejected a last-minute plan to increase taxes on NYC businesses and another idea to tap into the state’s general fund faced opposition from key Democrats.
Democratic leaders are now working on a third proposal to garner support before adjourning for the year. With Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie reportedly heading to Europe, time is running out for a resolution.
Meanwhile, Gov. Hochul remains secluded, refusing to address the public after her significant policy shift. However, she is scheduled to attend a fundraising brunch ahead of the Belmont Stakes.
Lawmakers are also advancing a bill to ban the devocalization of cats and dogs, with strong opposition to the practice from animal rights advocates.
In other legislative news, there is a push to allow the importation of drugs from Canada, similar to a policy implemented in Florida. Lawmakers are also considering bills related to public safety and gun control.
Please rewrite the following sentence to improve clarity:
“Due to the fact that the weather was bad, the event was canceled.”
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