Democrats say they want to table any questions about the leadership of the State Senate until next month and they're urging Republicans to join them in tomorrow's special session to vote on several bills worth $7.2 billion in federal and stimulus package spending. A bill to extend mayoral control of the city's schools would not be among the bills voted upon tomorrow, says Democratic Brooklyn Senator John Sampson.
SAMPSON: In our conference mayoral control is a controversial issue and we would like some input.
The Assembly passed a bill to continue mayoral control but Sampson has said he'd like to make changes to give parents a greater voice. Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos is accusing Sampson of trying to destroy mayoral control.
SKELOS: Senator Sampson, his goal is to kill it.
Senate Republicans are also rejecting Democrats' offer to re-start power sharing negotiations after midnight on June 30th. That's when mayoral control sunsets, along with scores of other bills that the Senate has yet to take action upon, including legalizing gay marriage.
Meanwhile, a judge is expected to rule later this afternoon on whether Republicans and Democrats must both be present for Governor Paterson's special sessions.
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