Politics on the Hudson

   The Senate was supposed to convene at 1 p.m. today to take up mayoral control of New York City schools, reform of the chamber’s rules and other topics, but intense discussions about those issues and the absence of one Democratic senator (Daniel Squadron of Brooklyn, who is on his honeymoon) have delayed the start until about 3 p.m. That means Democrats have 31 members to the GOP’s 30, one short of what is needed for a quorum and to pass a bill or resolution. Republicans, as a result, have more power to negotiate with Democrats.

   There is enough support in the Senate to reinstate the New York City mayor’s authority over the school system, but some Democrats will not support it unless it is amended to increase transparency, accountability and parent participation, a spokesman for Senate Democrats said.

   There is enough support for the legislation in the Senate, but a number of senators won’t vote for it before the chapter amendments are passed. The bill was previously passed by the Assembly, and in order for it to go forward, there has to be an agreement between the Senate, Assembly and Gov. David Paterson’s office that they will back the changes.

   The list of bills to be voted on as of this morning included 20 pieces of legislation. That doesn’t include the mayoral control bill and other major bills that were delayed because of the Senate leadership stalemate that began June 8 and ended late last week. The Senate returned to work last Thursday and started passing bills. Today is their first session since last week.

   The Senate expects to add more bills to the list today.