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Dean Skelos
Skelos Defends JCOPE Picks
Dec 13th - 12:50 pm
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, in town briefly today to wish staff a Happy Holidays according to his aides, defended his picks to lead the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, which are coming under scrutiny for being bogged down with mulitple conflicts of interest.
Skelos’s selections to sit on the board include former Sen. Mary Lou Rath, who barely met the requirement of being out of the Legislature for three years and Joe Covello, a former judge who quit because the pay was too low and later helped engineer favorable lines for Republicans on Long Island.
Other picks have come under criticism as well.
Senate Minority Leader John Samspon’s selected of Ravi Batra, a lawyer with ties to the incarcerated Clarence Norman and who defended former Sen. Ada Smith in her assault case. Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb picked former Senate candidate David Renzi, whose wife works for Sen. Patty Ritchie.
But Skelos said today that everyone is going to know someone in the small world of state government and politics.
“I think (Citizens Union Executive Director) Dadey pointed out that in our lives everybody knows somebody and I know that former Sen. Rath will do an excellent job, Joe Covello, the former appellate division judge has great credentials, George Weissman, he’ll do an excellent job. To say that you’re not going to know anybody is just not the case. So I think I’ve made great choices and everybody has to live by their recommendation,” he said.
Asked if he thought Sampson made the right choice with Batra, Skelos demurred.
“You’d have to ask John Sampson,” he said.
Tax Code Implications For 2012
Dec 12th - 10:36 am
Here’s a sentence you don’t read everyday: Democrats today are gleeful over a New York Post editorial.
No, really. The Post’s conservative editorial board blasted the Senate GOP for what it saw as caving on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s tax overhaul measure, writing that the complicit Republicans essentially “lied” about their stance on taxes.
And today Democrats are sending out a fundraising letter penned by Senate Democratic Campaign Committee Chairman Mike Gianaris comparing the Senate GOP to Mitt Romney, the presidential candidate who they just endorsed.
Writes Gianaris:
This makes sense since they clearly embrace his flip-flopping technique. Truth is: you just can’t trust that what Senate Republicans promise in order to get elected is what they’ll actually do when governing, and New Yorkers know when we’re being hoodwinked. So let’s keep the pressure on and see if we can’t get the Senate Republicans to flip-flop on a few more key issues that New Yorkers overwhelmingly support.
The flip-flopping critique a is a potent one in politics. Senate Democrats ought to be careful to not apply that critique too broadly, given that Cuomo, their party’s leader, had to shift his position on taxes as well.
So was Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos rolled on this? Hardly.
Getting an overhaul of the tax code — which Republicans can spin as a tax cut thanks to an end-of-the-year expiring surcharge — was perhaps the best deal the 32-member majority could have gotten considering the circumstances.
Consider this:
-Two of the most important issues for liberal voters in a Democratic state, same-sex marriage and the so-called “millionaires tax,” are resolved heading into an election year.
-A major issue for suburban swing voters, the controversial MTA payroll tax, was partially repealed for businesses and schools and the GOP was able to make those cuts permanent.
-Republicans can point to a $300 to $400 a year tax cut for most New York families.
Some Democratic lawmakers have indicated they want more revenue-raisers next year in order to fill the remaining budget gap, which now stands at around $2 billion. And Republicans still face an uphill battle when it comes to redistricting. Even if lawmakers redraw their own boundaries (which, given voter enrollment, will have to look pretty crazy in order to stack the deck for Republican senators), a presidential election year will makes their majority tenuous.
Look to Republicans next year making their adjusted three-pronged argument. First, they’ll tout their bipartisanship. Secondly, they’ll cheer the tax cut (or millionaires tax adjustment). And lastly, they’ll remind everyone as much as possible the chaos that reined during the Democrats’ single two-year term in the majority.
The last point may not be as potent, given that Cuomo has become, for now, a stabilizing force in New York government.
Hope Springs Eternal (Updated)
Dec 8th - 2:05 pm
ICYMI: Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos expressed optimism during a CapTon interview last night that a compromise will be brokered on redistricting, despite Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s repeated pledge that he will veto any partisan plans.
“I think that when the governor sees the plans he’s going to see that they’re fair, and he’ll make a decision at that time,” the Long Island Republican said toward the end of our chat in his conference room yesterday afternoon.
When I asked Skelos if he had some sort of indication from Cuomo on that, the majority leader replied:
“I haven’t talked to him about that. We’ll see…His tone has changed in different areas, so, you know, that’s the next issue. Right now, we’re dealing with what’s before us, and that’s straightening out the state – fiscally – and creating jobs. That’s our focus right now.”
Cuomo’s tone has indeed changed on redistricting, swinging from a definitive “no way” to a recognition that a veto would cause “chaos” that puts the final decision in a judge’s hands (in other words, out of reach of the governor’s influence).
Last night, however, the governor was back in the “no way” corner, saying without the slightest degree of hedging that he will veto any plan that isn’t drawn up by an independent commission.
It seems a little late for that, although Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver floated a sort of quasi-independent compromise commission a few weeks ago (he told me yesterday that he hasn’t heard a word about that idea since). The first LATFOR maps are due out on Dec. 19.
UPDATE: We got that date from a source very familiar with the LATFOR operations, but another source (legislative) insists “there’s no timetable” for their release.
Skelos: There’s More To Do
Dec 7th - 10:54 pm
Following a relatively short sharing of gooey good feelings on the floor of Senate expressed by Democrats and Republicans alike, a triumphant Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos noted there’s more work needed on the budget next year.
This is a pretty good win for Skelos. He’s able to get a partial repeal of the MTA payroll tax, which helps vulnerable fellow Long Island senators like Lee Zeldin, walks away with what amounts to be a middle class tax cut and is able to remove the thorn in the side that is the millionaires tax argument.
He said Senate Republicans would likely seek more tax cuts in the coming budget, which now has a roughly $2 billion deficit now that $1.5 billion from the rate adjustment will be generated.
Sunset On Payroll Tax Overhaul Removed
Dec 7th - 12:56 pm
A sticking point this morning for Senate Republicans in the massive economic package was resolved after a sunset on the $250 million cut to the MTA payroll tax was removed, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said.
“It’s going to be permanent,” he said prior to heading into a closed-door conference with GOP lawmakers. “I just had that discussion with the governor.”
A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver confirmed the change.
It had been unclear whether the expiration date — which the Archdiocese of New York did not want — was going to remain in the final version of the bill.
The cuts made to the payroll tax that affects suburban commuters includes exemptions for parochial and private schools and businesses with payrolls under $1.25 million.
The tax has been a major issue for Senate Republicans who are trying to hold onto the gains made in Long Island senate districts last year and expand their seats in the Hudson Valley.
Skelos defended the package, which includes a smaller tax cut for the wealthy than they were in line to receive if a surcharge due to expire at the end of the year went through.
The Skelos, a Nassau County Republican, said he disagrees with the idea that it’s just a partial re-instatement of the so-called “millionaires tax.”
“I don’t see it that way, it’s going to expire in three years and I just see it as a reduction,” he said.
He added: “It’s a tax cut, most people will receive a tax cut and the MTA payroll tax will receive an elimination.”
The tax code changes that lawmakers are poised to approve later today (we still haven’t seen the bill language yet) are due to expire on Dec. 31, 2014, the last day of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s four-year term.
Long To Skelos: Read Andrew’s Lips
Dec 5th - 1:58 pm
Powerful Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long urged Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos this afternoon to not take up any proposals that would raise taxes in a letter released this afternoon.
Writes Long:
New York has a spending problem that will not be resolved if any attempt to increase taxes is done when you return to Albany this week or in the upcoming Legislative Session. New York has lost population due to the high taxes imposed by runaway spending on programs that do not accomplish what was promised or contribute to the economic well being of the state. To consider any increase is a disservice to the people who remain in our state. Instead of considering taking more from our citizens, we must expand the base with new job creation. Job creation does not come to a state that continues to punish those who work hard to succeed.
Long also refers back to the conservative New York Post editorial page’s daily reminder — titled “Read Andrew’s Lips” — that Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state has to end its high-tax reputation.
The chairman actually went further with CapCon’s Jimmy Vielkind, who recorded this: “If they vote to raise taxes, it’s certainly sending a signal to members of the Conservative Party that you don’t agree with the philosophy of the party and are not willing to stand up and fight for the future of the state of New York.”
The Conservative ballot line is considered crucial for Republicans in order to win state and federal races, which certainly adds to Skelos’ calculus should he allow a vote on any plan that means more revenue from taxpayers. Still, it’s difficult to gauge Long’s influence with the Senate GOP.
He warned Republicans who received his endorsement not to vote for the same-sex marriage bill. Long also initially said he would be comfortable with allowing a bill to go to the floor, but later reversed himself.
The full letter after the jump. More >
Skelos: We’ll Work To Close Gap
Nov 14th - 3:03 pm
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos vowed to work with the Democratic-led Assembly and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ensure the budget is “structurally balanced.”
In a statement released this afternoon, Skelos, R-Nassau County, said Senate Republicans will release their own analysis of the budget situation after reviewing the just-released mid-year update from Cuomo’s budget division.
And he pointedly recalls the most recent 2011-12 budget was approved closing a $10 billion gap without raising taxes. The budget division estimates that a gap of $3 billion to $3.5 billion is in the offering for the coming fiscal year, which begins April 1. Cuomo’s budget is due out in January.
His statement:
As always, Senate Republicans stand ready to work with the Governor and Assembly to ensure the State’s budget is structurally balanced.
Shortly after we complete a full review of the Budget Division’s mid-year report we will release our own estimates.Senate Republicans continue to believe that it is both possible and necessary to manage next year’s budget much like we did this year, when the Legislature and Governor eliminated a much larger deficit without raising taxes.
Our top priority must be promoting the growth of businesses, increasing jobs, and building a stronger economy.
Skelos has sided with Cuomo when it comes to his largely conservative fiscal agenda, especially on the so-called millionaires tax on those making $200,000 or more, due to expire at the end of the year. Though the larger budget gap was closed last year without tax increases, Cuomo has promised to increase spending in the largest portions of the budget, health care and education, by 4 percent.
The state also faces a $350 million gap in the current fiscal year, prompting him to possible bring lawmakers back before the end of the year.
Skelos Pledges Support For Silver’s Iran Divestment Bill
Nov 3rd - 12:31 pm
We know at least one bill that will be passed when lawmakers return for the 2012 legislative session.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos just announced that he is supporting Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s Iran Divestment Act. In a press release, he says he will sponsor the bill in the Senate and move for its passage early next year.
The bill essentially bans any company that does more than $20 million dollars in business with Iran’s energy sector – either oil, gas, or nuclear power – from being able to bid on state or local government contracts. It also directs the Office of General Services to compile a list of companies that do not qualify and cancel any existing contracts they might have with New York.
“As New Yorkers, we must stand together in condemning tyrannical governments like Iran which sponsor terrorism, have attempted to acquire nuclear weapons and threaten U.S. allies like Israel, as Iran has repeatedly done. I agree with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has said that Iran is the greatest threat to Israel. I applaud the Speaker for taking the lead on this important legislation and look forward to working with him to see that it is passed and signed into law,” Senator Skelos said.
Last week, Silver spoke to Liz on Capital Tonight, and said this bill was necessary because of Iran’s poor record on human rights.
Skelos Continues Latino Push In Puerto Rico
Nov 2nd - 5:20 pm
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is scheduled to jet off to Puerto Rico after the Nov. 8 election, but he isn’t going on vacation.
The Long Island Republican, who recently hosted the Senate’s first-ever Unidad Latina Legislative Conference in Manhattan, will be attending the annual Somos Winter Conference next week. He’ll also drop by the (rival?) NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Trade Mission, his spokesman confirmed.
“Coming right on the heels of our successful Unidad Latina conference, Senator Skelos views these events as an opportunity to continue his two-way conversation with the Hispanic community about what the Senate Republican majority should be focusing on next session,” Scott Reif told me. “He is thrilled to be able to attend.”
This isn’t Skelos’ first trip to San Juan for Somos. He also attended the event in the fall of 2008 during the twilight of his first – short-lived – stint as majority leader following Joe Bruno’s resignation. The Democrats had just wrested control of the chamber from the GOP’s hands, but the margin was slim enough that defection of a few key Democrats could have kept Skelos in power.
And thus, the amigos were born. Remember them? Perhaps you’d prefer not to.
Anyway, both Skelos and then-Majority-Leader-in-Waiting Malcolm Smith were in San Juan that fall in hopes of swaying the hearts and minds of people like Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada Jr. Eventually, they both signed on with the Democrats, but that didn’t last long, either. And we all know how their story ends (at least their Senate story, it remains to be seen what happens with Espada, legally speaking).
Skelos has been working overtime to curry favor with Latino voters, who are a key swing bloc. Segments of that population are fairly conservative and have in the past supported New York Republicans. (Amigos de Pataki, anyone? No mas bombas?)
Needless to say, the Senate Democrats are less than thrilled with Skelos’ efforts. They boycotted his Unidad Latina Legislative Conference, accusing him of having purely political motivations. They insisted that if the Senate GOP was truly interested in assisting the Latino community, it would have advanced – or allowed – legislation during the regular session and voted against key funding cuts.
Skelos might have the opportunity to sit down for a cool, umbrella-topped drink in Puerto Rico with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who, according to Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, has been invited to attend Somos this year and is trying to work it into his schedule. No confirmation on that from the administration yet, though we’re trying.
Can Republicans Win SD 27?
Oct 31st - 1:17 pm
Could the ripple effects of Anthony Weiner’s resignation keep the Senate out of reach for Democrats?
The morning email blast from City Hall News (an essential morning read!) included a interesting item on whether the Senate GOP can pick up Brooklyn’s 27th Senate District that is held by Democrat Carl Kruger.
From CHN note:
Asked directly whether Kruger’s district is a top target for next year, Skelos said, “Republicans are going to have a great year, because President Obama has not been able to turn the economy around.”
Unless something really weird happens, the federally charged Kruger won’t be re-elected in 2012. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, the thinking goes, sees blood in the water thanks to upset victory by Bob Turner in the Democratic-dominated ninth congressional district which partially overlaps with the 27th. Both districts share the neighborhoods of Sheepshead Bay, Midwood and Mill Basin.
And it’s tempting to see why.
Kruger’s district is home to Orthodox Jews who were largely responsible for pushing Turner over the top against Democrat David Weprin.
At the very least, Skelos’s possible designs on SD27 has to be a galling move for Democrats, who are trying to recapture a majority after losing control in last year’s election (and an attempt to get the party to divide up its resources in next year’s campaign). Democrats had been eyeing Republican Sen. Marty Golden’s district, also in Brooklyn, but so far no challenger has emerged. Actually two have come forward.
But all of this could be moot depending on how redistricting goes next year. Remember: With Turner’s election, the general wisdom is that the 9th will be consolidated with another district where he’ll have to launch another long-shot campaign.
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