No budget cost taxpayers $100,000 again

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some lawmakers showed up to take care of business in Albany, but not enough of them did what it would take to get things done.

There are still several outstanding issues that need to be resolved. Now there is some sort of property tax relief is also now in the mix, but there is no indication that real progress is being made.

It was another day of getting nothing accomplished, at a special session cost to taxpayers of $100,000.

Elizabeth Beenau said, "It's a waste of time. The ought to get every one of those guys out of there or let 'em make minimum wage."

Tensions are high and lawmakers are feeling pressure from all sides. Senator Bill Stachowski "blew his stack" after Albany Reporter Steve Flamisch had asked him if his hold-out for UB 2020 was holding up passage of the final budget bill.

Sen. Stachowski said, "You took an ugly turn yesterday. You didn't act like a professional, so why would I want to talk to you today? It's not what you ask, it's how you ask it."

UB and other SUNY schools want the power to raise tuition, among other things. SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher met with the governor and lawmakers trying to negotiate a deal, but no deal was struck. She praised the senators withholding their final budget vote until there's a solution.

Zimpher said, "They're standing tall, the governor's standing tall. I'm, as you might imagine, really proud of that."

But the governor and the Democratic leadership in the Assembly and Senate have come under fire by Republicans, who say they were called back for a special session, but given no bills to consider.

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin said, "When I arrived there were no bills on the desk. I have not seen any legislation whatsoever on any of these issues."

"It is unbelievable that three men with major egos bigger than the Empire State, make us come back to do absolutely nothing. They should be ashamed of themselves. I'm ashamed for them," said Assemblyman Joe Giglio.