Legislative Update: June 12, 2007

By: Prospector

After the usual juggling of appointments, I ended up with 5 today, 4 Senate and 1 Assembly, and all were very supportive. I had the pleasure of meeting with Senator Shirley Huntley, who is new this year and on the Transportation Committee.  I had an appointment with her in January which was cancelled and I wasn't able to get a new date until today, so my "Welcome to Albany" was somewhat belated.  The Senator turned out to be a very gracious and personable Lady and we had a wonderful discussion during which she indicated her interest in motorcycles and willingness to support our issues.  She really made my day.

I also had several impromptu chats in the halls and elevators, which are always good.   As is often the case at this late stage of sessiion, things can change in the blink of an eye, this time in our favor. A1939, the confiscation bill, was on today's Ways and Means agenda with every expectation of reporting out and its    companion, S1705 is on 3rd reading ( last Tuesday I was struggling to get it on the Transportation Committee agenda).  We will now prepare a letter of support to
be sent to the Governor. Hopefully some of our other bills will  move in the closing days. 

I also got a notice of some changes in Committee Chairs in the Assembly, but nothing that will affect us either way.  It's unusual to have these kinds of changes so near the end of session, but then, this has been an unusual year.  Session ends a week from Thursday, so things will be happening fast in the next few days. I have to leave town on Thursday and Fri day for family business, so hopefully, I won't miss anything I shouldn't.  My phone calls will be forwarded to me, so I won't be too far out of  the loop.  Next Tuesday will be the last regular lobby day.  Seems like this session went fast.