NEW YORK (WBNG) — A bill proposed by Rep. Larinda Hooks, a Democratic assemblymember from Queens, has drawn criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in the New York State Legislature.<\/p>\n
The bill would establish automatic utility payment deferment protections for New York State employees during periods when budget delays result in payroll interruptions.<\/p>\n
Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, who represents New York\u2019s 121st District, said the only state employees missing paychecks is the legislature.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis makes us all look bad and another reason for people to hate politicians when they write laws to take care of themselves,\u201d Angelino said.<\/p>\n
Angelino said he sees no world in which the bill passes the legislature.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hit me like a brick that a member of the assembly was basically trying to take care of themselves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
If the bill comes to a vote, Angelino said he will be the fastest \u201cno\u201d vote he has ever cast.<\/p>\n
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo also opposes the proposal. In a statement, she said she does not expect the Automatic Utility Deferment Act to come up for a vote.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has not been introduced in the State Senate and is not something I will be supporting. Our focus needs to be on resolving the outstanding policy matters that are holding things up and getting the best budget we can for our constituents,\u201d Lupardo said.<\/p>\n
Angelino said the legislature works for the people and urged his constituents to vote no.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m an adult. I have a savings account. We all took this job knowing what we were going into and this is one of the perils of not passing the budget on time,\u201d Angelino said.<\/p>\n
The New York State budget is now seven weeks overdue.<\/p>\n
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