With Cuomo Weakened, New York Lawmakers End Session With Flex of Power

State lawmakers passed several progressive priorities to cap the 2021 session, but clashed with Gov. Andrew Cuomo as impeachment inquiries continued.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Democrats in the State Legislature capped the 2021 legislative session last week by passing a patchwork of progressive priorities, including changes meant to strengthen gun control laws, improve absentee voting and modify New York’s criminal justice system. But, this being Albany, the end of session was not without political gamesmanship and intrigue. Lawmakers clashed with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo over his 11th-hour proposal to restructure the leadership of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, one of Mr. Cuomo’s most important priorities. Democrats in the State Senate had reached a tentative agreement with Mr. Cuomo on the matter, but, in a surprise twist, the deal unraveled late on Thursday, and the Senate gaveled out of session without passing the governor’s measure.