Senators' outbursts show frustration

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Albany sources say a deal is in the works to save the UB 2020 plan, but the budget remains undone after a two day special session that accomplished nothing.

Outside a fundraiser in his name, State Senator Antoine Thompson told News 4 he works seven days a week. A work schedule, he says, that includes fundraisers, forums, and knocking on doors.

Sen. Thompson said, "This is a busy job. You have to make a lot of sacrifices, and sometimes those sacrifices don't get covered as much, as well as, "Were you in Albany?" or "How come you're not spending time with your kids?""

But what about taxpayers who say they're the ones making the big sacrifices just to pay their bills and survive?

"Well, I agree with that. We all are making sacrifices," said Sen. Thompson.

Sen. Thompson says he was in Albany the past two days and that he is just as frustrated as taxpayers. His frustration became quite clear when we first told him we wanted to talk about the state budget outside City Tavern on Chippewa Street.

Sen. Thompson said, "I know [I'm a public official], but I've done three interviews with you today. This is like my third time."

This was actually the first time Tricia Cruz had interviewed him on Thursday about a state budget that remains unfinished. Legislative leaders are said to be working on a bill to give greater independence to UB and other SUNY schools. UB's 2020 plan has been a sticking point in budget negotiations, and fuses are running short among lawmakers. Listen to how Senator Bill Stachowski lashes out at an Albany reporter.

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 asked it's how you asked it. When you want to behave like a professional, I'd be happy to talk to you. So what do you want? We still have people that are working on this trying to negotiate a settlement. Any part of that you didn't understand?"

Despite his frustration, Sen. Stachowski's position has impressed SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

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

We're told some of the issues holding up the budget are related more to public policy than the actual budget. Lawmakers will get back to work on Tuesday.