Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The "final push" is on in Albany. This is the intense period at the end of the legislative session when lawmakers are trying to pass important bills, and finalize the budget before the session adjourns.
The State Senate has seven remaining days, with plans to adjourn June 13.
The Assembly will be in session until June 17.
Several big ticket items are on the docket, including a bill to allow for the sale of wine in grocery stores. The bill's sponsors and proponents have been making a last minute push.
"This is the scrum before the end," said Jack O'Donnell of O'Donnell and Associates with WBEN on Monday. "This is when people are trying to make deals and cut compromises. We've seen some amendments in an effort to try to get it moving and try to get it done this year."
New York is one of the last states in the country that does not allow for wine sales in grocery stores. Many policies in the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Law have not been updated since Prohibition.
O'Donnell, however, is skeptical that the measure will pass this year.
"I think it's a jump ball right now. I do think Sen. Liz Kruger, who is a powerful downstate Democrat, made some of the changes with the hopes that it's going to get through. But my feeling is that it's not going to make it this year. If I had to guess, it's too little, too late," he said.
The newest version of the bill would permit liquor stores to sell snacks, tobacco and drink mixers. Food stores that are at least 4,000 square feet, reduced from 5,000 square feet, could apply to sell wine. It also requires a minimum of 500 feet separation between supermarkets and nearby liquor stores.