Democratic lawmakers in New York’s senate and assembly yesterday announced they have reached an agreement to remove Governor Andrew Cuomo’s COVID-19 emergency powers. The state would also return some matters under the governor’s control, such as COVID-related lockdowns, back to local officials. The move comes as Cuomo is embroiled in the nursing home deaths controversy and under fire from several women who claimed he sexually harassed them, some cases involving co-workers. Earlier Tuesday, Rockland senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, a Democrat, said it was clearly time for the governor’s emergency powers to be taken away…
Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, also a Democrat, says it’s important that the legislature and the public have greater input in the COVID public policy process…
Rockland Assemblyman Mike Lawler, a Republican, says it needs to be a full repeal of the governor’s powers…
The bill removing the governor’s powers could pass as early as Friday. They are due to expire April 30th.