In New York’s Capitol, the year's first day of business was the quietest and least-eventful opening day of session in modern history. | AP Photo
ALBANY — In New York’s Capitol, at least, the year's first day of business was the quietest and least-eventful opening day of session in modern history.
The usually bustling hallways of the building, closed to the public since March, were barren of the glad-handing lobbyists and overwhelmed interns who are commonly found this time of year. The vast majority of members of both chambers participated remotely, leaving most seats empty. Particularly eerie was the “War Room” near the governor’s office — apparently because of a cleaning, the room was not only devoid of the regular protesters, but of furniture as well. The room's murals, including one celebrating the defeat of traitors waving Confederate flags, were all the more visible as a result.
Most of the activity revolved around debate over new rules. Republicans in both houses accused Democrats of being too concerned about social distancing, impairing their ability to deliberate with a newfound reliance on web conferencing.
“We expect somebody making a sandwich at Subway to stand side-by-side with their colleagues,” Sen. George Borrello (R-Chautauqua County) told the four of his colleagues who were with him on the floor and a whole lot of faces on a TV screen near the dais. “If we consider ourselves essential workers, then we should take those same risks we ask of all those other people on the front lines.”
But their challenges were easily defeated by Democrats, who now have 107 of the 150 members of the Assembly and a historically large supermajority of 43 members in the 63-person Senate.
Those Democratic conferences also formally reelected their leaders. Speaker Carl Heastie won what is effectively a fourth term in his post. And Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who was became the first female legislative leader in a celebratory and crowded session two years ago, became the first Democrat to win a second term as majority leader since the 1930s.
At around the time those votes were taking place, two people were stabbed outside the state Capitol. The incident occurred near a small pro-Trump rally, although as of the early evening, police had not clearly stated a connection.
Staffers and members began to be aware of the unfolding chaos in Washington D.C. as the sessions were wrapping up. But none of that was fully known while they were on the floor, and the general message from Democrats was focused on all the reasons to be hopeful after a devastating year.
“Today, despite the seditious actions of a few extremists, we are confident Congress will do its job and allow the government to get back to normal,” Stewart-Cousins said in her remarks, referring to planned votes against certification. (That process was suspended when pro-Trump rioters illegally entered the U.S. Capitol building.)
“The kick-off of a two-year term has always been filled with hope and promise,” Stewart-Cousins said. “Usually the chamber would be buzzing with activity, the hallways filled with smiling faces … But while we don’t have the crowds in the gallery or our friends and family roaming the hallways, we’re still holding on to that hope and that promise.”
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On opening day in Albany, all is calm - Politico
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