Last NYS Legislative Session for 2006

Gov. Pataki with yesterday’s results. His “civil confinement for sex offenders legislation” will not become law under his tenure as NY State Governor. This measure would “keep sexual predators confined to psychiatric hospitals after they complete their prison terms”. The Assembly rejected this proposal, as it does not allow provisions for juvenile offenders. (I speculate that one reason he wanted this legislation to pass was so that he could use this as a talking point in his presidential campaign.)

Commission Report Likely to Become Law

Gov. Pataki supports it. Gov-Elect Spitzer supports it. The Senate decided yesterday to not reject the proposal; the Assembly didn’t touch the subject. All in all, it looks that the Commission for Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century’s proposal for sweeping changes in NY State’s health care system is going to become law. The legislature has until December 31 to reject the plan, but a special session would have to be called, and it appears that this is not going to happen.

Spitzer’s Bi-Partisan Efforts

Governor-Elect Eliot Spitzer was in Washington yesterday; a meeting was set up with the New York Delegation. Guess who didn’t show up:

None of the six returning GOP members of Congress from New York nor any of their staff attended. Some Republican aides complained of receiving very late notice of the meeting set up by Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel, and others said they didn’t expect anything important to be discussed.

For-Profit Companies Receiving NY State Grants

Only two for-profit companies have received NY State grants over the past several years. Evident Technologies Inc., received $500,000 (for operating assistance) and has ties to State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. Plug Power has received $384,000 (“to install fuel cells at a few area farms and greenhouses”) and has ties to Gov. George Pataki.

Spitzer’s Plan for Reform

Governor-Elect Spitzer is wasting no time. Change is in the air. “… Mr. Spitzer is taking the unusual step of voluntarily adhering to tougher rules for himself and his administration, and hoping the idea catches on.”

Spitzer said while he could not force the Legislature to go along with his ideas, he will adhere to these limits “to set a tone, to send a message and to set an example.”