Cuomo cites marijuana legalization as a top priority

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo began lowering expectations on Tuesday for what state lawmakers may accomplish before leaving Albany on June 19.

The governor outlined an aggressive to-do list for the final four weeks of the legislative session, including legalization of marijuana and allowing driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Cuomo also cast doubt on whether the state Senate shares his commitment.

“They have work to do,” he told WAMC News on Tuesday, claiming they are blocking a majority of his agenda.

Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy responded that the governor’s critique “is not based in reality,” and he noted that the chamber had adopted a host of big-ticket, liberal items in the first five months of the legislative session.

“In this age of Trump, Democrats should work together to make New York a progressive beacon not tear each other down in silly political games,” Murphy said.

The aggressive tact by the governor allows him to simultaneously apply pressure on state senators, who might be squeamish about far-left legislation, and provide political cover if his priorities aren’t enacted. [Read more at Albany Times Union]