Statement from Senator Alexis Weik on Democrats Deal to Rescind the Governor's Emergency Power

Patchogue, New York—State Senator Alexis Weik released the following statement regarding the Democratic Majority’s legislation to “rescind” the Governor’s Executive Powers:

“The Senate Republican Conference has been calling for the Governor’s emergency powers to be rescinded for months, including advancing legislation to do so on the Senate Floor every Session Day this year—and each time the Senate Democrats have voted our legislation down.  After months of silence, the Senate Democrats finally introduced a bill they allege will rescind the Governor’s powers.  Amazingly, their bill does not rescind the Governor’s powers and actually increases the length of executive orders already proscribed.  Their bill does not re-establish the Legislature as a co-equal branch of Government, and it does not move our State any closer to opening up from this tragic pandemic.

Not only does this legislation extend existing executive orders for a minimum of 30 days, it grants the Governor a nearly unfettered ability to continue any order for 30 day increments—the exact same authority he currently has.  All the Legislature can do is “comment” on the Governor’s directive to extend the order, but such comments “shall not affect the validity” of the order.  Contrary to what the Majority Conference’s will contend, under this bill, the Governor will continue to have unchecked unilateral authority to do as he pleases. 

While one could argue that a bill that does anything to rein in the Governor’s powers is better than doing nothing; this bill is nothing.  I will be voting against this bill.”