Bickering finally over in State Senate?

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's taken 30 days and threats of withholding paychecks, but a firm deal is in the works to end the gridlock in Albany.

It is not a done deal just yet, but state senators tell News 4 Tuesday night that western New York stands to benefit big time from compromise in the capitol.

There was late breaking word out of Albany that all sides in the month-long stalemate have agreed to a power-sharing deal.

There's been a lot of bickering and finger-pointing, even threats by the governor to withhold paychecks.

The new deal calls for both sides to share leadership positions, share resources and rotate the top leaders in the State Senate.

Senator George Maziarz told News 4 the deal is good for our area, "The pendulum had swung so far in favor of New York City and downstate, our utility rates were raised. Upstate taxpayers are paying for the MTA, the rail and subway system in the City of New York. That will not be possible under this."

Senator William Stachowski said, "I'm optimistic that something will happen by the end of this week. So hopefully if that's not it, something else will happen and we'll move on."

Since the Republican coup 30 days ago, the Senate has gaveled-in and gaveled-out without taking care of the people's business. That has to change.

There's a lot of legislation stacking up on the table in Albany; not only extending the sales tax agreements for local governments, but the power for jobs program that helps many local businesses. It could even mean up to five thousand jobs at the Ford Stamping Plant in Woodlawn.

Senator Stachowski said, "There are over 240,000 jobs at stake, 26,000 of which are in western New York; 26,000 good paying jobs that keep families living a lifestyle that they deserve. It's very important that they get off the sideline on the issue and lay politics aside and join us in calling on the governor to sign the Power for Jobs." (July 2, 2009)

The Republicans hope the compromise can be reached by Thursday.

The Democrats say there is no firm deadline for agreement.

Other sources are telling News 4 that there is a lot of behind-the-scenes negotiations going on to get more Democrats to break ranks with the party.

One thing is for sure, the days of three men in a room making all the decisions appears to be over.