By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-846633.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The showdown in the New York State Senate is wearing thin with legislative leaders in the state's other lawmaking body.
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The Senate power-play has had lawsuits, a tug-of-war over keys, and even a clown. But State Assembly leader Sheldon Silver said he is not amused. Many municipalities begin their new fiscal year Wednesday. And Silver said there is much unfinished business. Still, Silver said he's not really disappointed by the spectacle that he called democratic. But he said it is time for the posturing to end.
Ironically, one piece of crucial local legislation rests in the hands of Silver and his colleagues. The UB 2020 bill that would give the university more control and flexibility to expand was passed by the Senate before the power shift. Silver said they are committed to UB's progress. But he said they are waiting for the new SUNY chancellor to weigh before deciding what shape the law should take.
The new chancellor has been on the job for about a month.