Politics on the Hudson

   Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece, Monroe County, is lashing out at Senate Democrats, whom he said blocked a bill he is sponsoring to protect domestic-violence victims from housing-related discrimination yesterday and shot down an amendment today to do the same thing. The debate was “abruptly cut off during floor deliberations yesterday,” and the Senate adjourned without finishing its business for the day, according to Robach.

   “Domestic violence is an issue that affects thousands of women across the state, and the state Legislature is doing everything in its power to combat discrimination against victims,” Robach said in a statement. “The Democrats’ refusal to take up this bill shows an arrogance to victims of domestic violence and to all New Yorkers.”

   Robach said he would continue to press the issue.

   Yesterday, Gov. David Paterson introduced legislation that would change a number of laws on domestic violence. Part of the bill would prohibit housing discrimination. Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Mount Vernon, Westchester County, said she would like to sponsor the governor’s legislation.

   Meanwhile, there is a bill sponsored by a Senate Democrat—Sen. Craig Johnson of Nassau County—that would prohibit housing discrimination against victims of domestic violence. It is currently in the Senate’s Investigations and Government Operations Committee.