Just one week following the last day of the 2017 Legislative Session, the governor called state lawmakers back to Albany for Extraordinary Session to take up legislation that would extend mayoral control of New York City schools and other measures. When lawmakers arrived in Albany, there was no formalized agreement between the Senate, Assembly and governor on mayoral control and other issues. An agreement was finally struck late Wednesday evening and a bill was brought to the Assembly Floor for a vote Thursday morning around 1a.m.

The omnibus bill dubbed “little ugly” includes: a two year renewal of mayoral control of New York City Schools, reauthorization of local sales tax extensions, $45 million in funding for Lake Ontario flooding assistance and assistance for Vernon Downs.

“While the session was dubbed ‘extraordinary’, it was very much an ordinary day in Albany. Unfortunately, more often than not, action in Albany is primarily driven by a crisis and politics. In this instance, these issues could have been easily agreed upon prior to the end of session,” said Barclay. “Setting aside the theatrics of the day, there were critical measures that we voted on, including the agreement on Lake Ontario flood assistance. This, in addition to the sales tax extenders for local governments, was of great concern to our local communities and I am glad to see resolution on both matters.”