After finally managing to get all 32 members into the chamber, the Senate Democrats just passed the bill that will re-open state parks without a single GOP vote.

The finally tally: 32-27.

Earlier today, Sen. Tom Libous, of Binghamton, defended the Republicans’ plan to vote “no” in a bloc to Capital Tonight’s Kaitlyn Ross, saying:

“Even their own nominee, Andrew Cuomo, made it very clear yesterday that this state and people of this state cannot take higher taxes.”

“So, our Republican conference is voting against higher taxes today. Certainly the parks can open. There’s money to open the parks, but the governor is using this as a political ploy. So what the Democrats are voting for is higher taxes. We’re voting no on higher taxes, but think the parks should still open.”

Sen. George Maziarz, a Buffalo Republican, defended his “no” vote, saying the plan forged late yesterday by the Assembly and Senate Democrats and Gov. David Paterson raises taxes and fees and imposes mandates on businesses – a move he called “the failed approach of the past.”

Meanwhile, the Senate Democrats’ spokesman, Austin Shafran, blasted the Republicans for voting “to put polluters over real people,” adding:

“Rather than support a common-sense solution to reopen our parks, beaches, and campgrounds, Senate Republicans are protecting hazardous-waste-polluters, which is no different than siding with BP in the Gulf.”

“New York has a strong bipartisan tradition of environmental stewardship. Senate Democrats are proud to continue that tradition in a way that benefits taxpayers, tourists, and the local communities that depend on our parks for economic growth and stability.”

Share|