ALBANY (WBEN) — Things are getting a bit awkward in Albany, where lawmakers need to negotiate a budget with a governor who they have said should step down.
On Friday, several Democratic members of the New York congressional delegation joined colleagues in Albany in calling for the governor to step down amid dual scandals involving sexual harassment allegations and COVID-19 nursing home deaths.
At least 121 members of the state Assembly and Senate have said publicly they believe Cuomo can no longer govern and should quit office now, according to a tally by The Associated Press.
However, the governor has repeatedly insisted he will not resign and instead, plans to remain focused on passing a budget for the state and preparing to make 15 million residents eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Though New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is remaining steadfast in her opinion that Cuomo should resign, she says she is willing to negotiate a new budget with the Democratic leader.
"I made my opinions clear. I think the governor should resign, but I also understand that it is important that we do our job," she said.
Stewart-Cousins acknowledges that the upcoming budget is an important one as it will serve as a blueprint for New York State's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The state senator says lawmakers in Albany seem to be on the same page as Cuomo in terms of the best steps forward, including imposing a heftier tax on the state's wealthiest residents.
"We are asking people who have a lot more to help with a little more," Stewart-Cousins said.
She also says lawmakers are close may be closer than ever on marijuana legalization but, said there are still hurdles to overcome.
"We have reached a little bit of an impasse right now and it has to do with impaired driving," she said.
But Stewart-Cousins says she's optimistic and says she has grown accustomed to the ever-changing environment in Albany.
"From the time I entered the Senate, I have not seen a normal year," the senator said. "Every year has been different and so this is par for the course."
