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Cuomo Not Optimistic about Mayoral Control, Cva; Flanagan Commits to Negotiating

By Rick Karlin
Times Union
June 16, 2017

http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/275667/cuomo-not-optimistic-about-mayoral-control-child-victims-act/

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on a conference call primarily about Penn-Farley train station plans in New York City, said he wasn’t optimistic about the chances for an extension of mayoral control in the NYC schools, passage of a Child Victims Act or extension of sales tax increases happening by the end of the session.

Cuomo also noted that he’s offered his own Child Victims bill in addition. His bill mirrors that sought by the Assembly but it hasn’t moved in the Senate.

Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein has offered a compromise that would include the use of a special commission to review abuse allegations before they went to court.

Despite that, Cuomo expressed doubt that a bill would be passed this session, which is set to end on June 21.

“I’ve put in a bill. There’s been talk about a compromise bill,’’ said Cuomo.

“I’d be open to a compromise. I’m not highly optimistic about passage of the child victims act.’’

He added that while he supports extension of mayoral control, which is sought by the Democratic Assembly and opposed by the GOP Senate, Cuomo noted that even in the Assembly there are differing views on the idea.

Cuomo wants a three-year extension. Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg had six years but the current mayor, Bill de Blasio, has clashed with Senate Republicans who remain angry that he worked against them in the 2014 elections.

“Even within the Assembly there are different voices on mayoral control. I’m not optimistic on that being passed,” said Cuomo.

Assembly Democrats earlier tried to link mayoral control to extension of sales taxes but Senate Republicans rejected that idea.

Cuomo, though, noted that the sales taxes don’t actually run out until the end of 2017, and lawmakers could come back post-session to extend those taxes, which many upstate counties need to help meet their payrolls.

“The plan would more be come back at the end of the year, do the sales tax extenders, see if there is any movement on mayoral control,’’ Cuomo said.

The stated pessimism could mean a couple of things. It could be a tactic aimed at nudging lawmakers toward a deal — the governor said he wanted to ”move the ball forward.” Or it could be the governor preparing to blame the two houses if deals fail to materialize by the end of the session.

Update: On Friday evening, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan expressed hope for more negotiations ahead:

With just one week left in the legislative session, I am committed to working with all parties to extend mayoral control and achieve common sense reforms that ensure every child receives the first-class education they deserve.

From the beginning, this has only been about doing what’s right for the 1.1 million kids who attend New York City schools and giving them each an opportunity to secure a prosperous future. The staunchest advocates for improving education are parents, and we have heard from many who are clamoring for choice and for reform. Knowing this, It’s shocking that anyone would favor clinging to a status quo that isn’t working to the benefit of all students and their parents.

Our approach to this issue has been wholly related to education and the improvement of student outcomes, while the Assembly has needlessly and recklessly tied its renewal to dozens of unrelated local tax extenders. Their decision has put an extension of mayoral control at risk.

I see no reason we can’t negotiate in good faith and come to a resolution on this issue before the Legislature adjourns next week. We have given the Assembly and Mayor de Blasio three different options that would each extend mayoral control and ensure the continuity they crave, and we have even signaled our willingness to have further discussions about other options. It’s time for everyone to get to the table and work in the best interest of the 1.1 million New York City schoolchildren and their families.

 

 

 

 

 




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