FPA to Senate: Respect Your Elected Offices by Finding a Short-Term Solution to the Leadership Debate

• by Family Planning Advocates of NYS

ALBANY, NY (06/26/2009)(readMedia)-- M. Tracey Brooks, president and CEO of Family Planning Advocates of New York State, today implored Senators to "stop being disrespectful of your roles as public servants and the constituents you took an oath to serve."

Brooks called on Senators to work harder to come up with a short-term solution to their dispute over leadership of the house so they can take up critical legislation before June 30. Otherwise, dozens of counties and cities around the state will lose millions of dollars in revenue and lost savings. Brooks also mobilized thousands of FPA's advocates around the state to urge their Senators back to work.

Ultimately, control of the Senate will need a long-term resolution. Right now, however, it has become a serious situation that requires immediate action, Brooks asserted. New York State is facing a severe budget deficit, potential mid-year funding cuts and an ever-increasing jobless rate. "Haven't New Yorkers been through enough?" she asked. "Nearly three weeks of a stalemate comes at great cost to the residents of the state."

"It is an honor to be a public servant and Senate seats should be treated as such. New Yorkers entrusted you with their hard-earned tax dollars. Voters put their faith in the decisions you would make on their behalf. We urge you to set aside your power struggle for control of the chamber, find a short-term solution and take action on legislation that will protect the financial stability of communities across the state," Brooks urged.

"A true leader is an individual who puts others' needs above their own. Which Senator will emerge as the true leader?" Brooks asked.