Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Even as vaccination rates continue to increase across New York State, many of the restrictions that remain in place during the ongoing COVID pandemic are the result of executive orders issued by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
With New York's overall COVID positive test rate decreasing and the rate in Western New York among the highest in the state, there is debate over whether now is the right time to look into reviewing some of the governor's executive orders.
"We are in the process of reviewing these executive orders at the moment," said State Senator Tim Kennedy.
"Our expectation is once we can get a majority in both the Assembly and the Senate to agree upon making changes in certain aspects of the executive orders, we will do so."
As far as a threshold to start the process, Kennedy said the chambers have to agree specifically on one executive order. "We know there are many executive orders, so they're all being looked at, they're all being observed to see what the impact is on the community, and if in fact should be rolled back," said Kennedy.
In early March, State legislators passed a law that was supposed to give further oversight to Governor Cuomo's executive orders. As part of that law, signed by the Governor, Cuomo has to send a letter to lawmakers providing justification for any extension or alteration.
"There's a process that should be followed, and the expectation is that's being followed," said Kennedy when asked if he's seen any justification for the changes made in the time since that law was passed. "What we are doing is reviewing these executive orders, and we'll decide at whatever point we can get a coalition if it's the right thing by our community to remove or amend the executive orders, it'll be done."
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes is not eager to get back decision making power.
"I don't because our numbers have recently started to rise because people are insisting they got to get back to normal, and every time we do that, we step outside the rule of science, we have more people in the hospital," said Peoples-Stokes. "I would give a conclusive answer, but I know people who have gotten the vaccine, but have ended up in the hospital with COVID," said Peoples-Stokes.
That statement contradicts statements from Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who said earlier this month that no vaccinated person is among those hospitalized in Erie County.
Has Peoples-Stokes seen any letters to the legislature that have not been made public? "Most everything should be made public, but I haven't asked, so I can't say if it's been available to me. I'll get back to you."
