“One year ago, COVID-19 began to spread here in New York State. Critical decisions needed to be made quickly as the situation evolved, and the legislature granted emergency powers to the governor. Today, the state is in a different place, and it is clear that it is time for those powers to come to an end.

“That’s why I support bicameral legislation to responsibly revoke the governor’s emergency powers while ensuring he still has the authority to make fast decisions with legislative oversight in times of crisis. This legislation also restores some autonomy and control to local governments.

“The Assembly Minority’s political theater this week has been grossly hypocritical given their silence during former President Trump’s deadly abdication of duty during the pandemic, his refusal to condemn domestic terrorists, and his treatment of the many women who credibly accused him of sexual harassment and assault. The Assembly Majority believes in due process, investigating wrongdoing and holding perpetrators accountable.

“The pandemic is not yet over. Our legislation is the responsible, measured and correct way to repeal the governor’s powers, and I hope it is taken up soon so we can focus on passing an on-time budget.”