“We may have extended session another week, but we didn’t tackle many of the major issues facing our communities. The Legislature didn’t stop or even reform the Common Core curriculum, nor did it fully eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). Our teachers should not have their profession judged by test scores. We leave without SAFE Act reforms or a full repeal. The SAFE Act continues to punish law-abiding New Yorkers who wish to own firearms for their own protection or to continue our rich tradition of sportsmanship. Finally, we left without the agreed-upon pension forfeiture amendment that would have stripped public officials of their taxpayer-financed pensions upon conviction of a felony related to their office. This is inexcusable, and the Majority going back on its word is reprehensible. The people of New York deserve this measure, and anyone interested in honest government would have demanded it.”