Vote-shy GOP eyes early adjourn

ALBANY — With the state Senate GOP a man down and little expected to get done in what’s left of the legislative session, the Legislature is considering ending a week early, sources say.

The Legislature is now set to adjourn June 20. Legislative leaders are talking about ending the session June 14.

“There’s been preliminary discussions, but nothing has been decided,” said a legislative source.

Senate Republicans are said to be pushing the idea, in part because Sen. Thomas Croci (R-Suffolk County) has returned to military service and likely won’t be back for many— if any — of the remaining session days.

Without Croci, the Republicans lack the minimum 32 members needed for a majority vote, making it virtually impossible for them to pass any controversial legislation.

Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif wouldn't comment specifically on talks about shortening the legislative session, but said its length “is always dictated by how much time we need to complete the people’s business.”

“Once that work is done, we will adjourn. Anything else is a waste of taxpayer money,” Reif said.