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Cuomo goes on a veto binge

Dec 30, 2019 12:30 pm
Joe Mahoney is reporting for the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal on the number of bills recently vetoed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The governor killed legislation designed to create an independent office of utility consumer advocate. In his veto message, Cuomo said the bill was redundant because the state Department of Pubic Service and the Department of State's utility intervention unit protect consumer interests. Cuomo also vetoed a bill that would have regulated pharmacy benefit managers, the specialists involved in the processing and payment of prescription drug claims. Cuomo said the bill would increase administrative costs and generate "anti competitive conduct." He also rejected a bill that would have authorized federal judges to preside at weddings in the state, saying the federal judiciary is now partially populated with presidential appointees. "President Trump does not embody who we are as New Yorkers," Cuomo said in the veto message. The governor also used another veto to reject legislation that would have legalized the use of electric bikes and scooters statewide, citing safety concerns, such as the lack of helmet requirements. Former Assemblymember Richard Brodsky said the governor's recent vetoes are notable because they reject legislation passed by lawmakers in his own party. The Brooklyn Democrat said that since the Democrats gained control of the Senate, Cuomo has used his veto more than when the GOP ran the Legislature's upper chamber. Read the full story in the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal.