ALBANY – Coalition government is coming to Albany.
The state Senate’s Republicans and a group of five breakaway Democrats announced agreement today that they’re teaming up to run the chamber next year, as first reported in today’s Post.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Nassau), and Sen. Jeff Klein of the Bronx, leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, announced a power-sharing arrangement that will make each man “conference leader” of his respective group.
The deal gives Skelos and Klein joint control over state budget negotiations for the Senate, what bills come to the Senate floor, leadership and committee assignments for their respective groups and appointments to state and local boards.
The two men will alternate every two weeks in the largely ceremonial position of temporary president of the Senate – which is second in line to succeed the governor after the lieutenant governor.
One source said Gov. Cuomo was aware of the developments.
Insiders say the deal will likely allow Senate votes on key legislation such as increasing the minimum wage and partial taxpayer financing of state campaigns – bills the GOP has bottled up.
“All decisions on what bills come to the floor will be made jointly by Sens. Skelos and Klein after receiving input from members of the coalition,” said Skelos spokesman Scott Reif.
The IDC also formally announced that Sen. Malcolm Smith of Queens has joined the conference – as The Post reported exclusively in today’s editions.
It’s an unprecedented arrangement for the state Legislature, but the Senate could wind up with none of the three conferences having enough members to claim an outright majority next year pending the outcome of two close upstate races.
Republicans now control the Senate 33-29 but could be down to 30 seats in an expanded, 63-seat Senate next year. Brooklyn Democrat Simcha Felder has said he’ll caucus with the GOP when he takes office in January.
“Having dedicated the past two years to a serious, policy-driven agenda, this agreement delivers on the IDC’s pledge to become a permanent third conference within the State Senate and to have a major voice in all policy decisions moving forward,” Klein said.
“Senator Klein has proven to be a thoughtful and effective leader, and I look forward to partnering with him to move this state forward,” added Skelos.