NY Legislature Begins 2015 Session, Waits for Cuomo’s Return

New York lawmakers gaveled into 2015 Wednesday, beginning a six-month session that’s likely to focus on education policy, New York City’s rent laws, and the debate over police safety and alleged misconduct.

Assemblyman Dean Murray R-East Patchogue, in the Assembly Chamber at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. Murray won back his old Assembly seat and expected to be sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. AP Photo/Mike Groll

ALBANY, N.Y.—New York lawmakers gaveled into 2015 Wednesday, beginning a six-month session that’s likely to focus on education policy, New York City’s rent laws, and the debate over police safety and alleged misconduct.

The Assembly and Senate both convened shortly after noon for a mostly formal first day that saw Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos re-elected to their positions for two years.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo intended to deliver his state of the state address Wednesday night but postponed the speech for two weeks following the death of his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo. The administration plans to release its proposed state budget late this month.

"We have to show strong support for our police officers."

— Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos