By Ryan Morden
Oswego, NY – The State Senate passed bills to keep the state running through April 14th, then left for an eight day holiday recess, meaning the state budget will be late.
Karen Dewitt, WRVO's Capitol Correspondent, reports:
The Senate was scheduled to be on break for the Passover and Easter Holidays, but had to postpone the vote on the emergency spending bill, when one of the 32 senate democrats needed to approve the measure, fell ill. All of the Democrats were needed for at least one of the budget bills, which was approved by a 32:28 margin.
Republican Sen. Joseph Griffo of Utica was one of those voting against the measure.
"I just think it's unacceptable that we should continue to work and strive to meet an objective and responsibility that is entrusted in us. For that reason I vote "No," said Griffo.
Lawmakers are not due back at the capital until April 7th.
Senate Democratic Leader, John Sampson said he will continue to meet with the Assembly Speaker and the Governor during the break. Sampson said a quality budget might be more important than an on-time budget.