State Senate Turns GOP; Dems Reconcile Spending Spree

Balancing the budget may be the New Year's resolution for state senate Democrats this year, as they face a $7 billion deficit when Republicans take control of the chamber.

The GOP will take over the senate today, with a 32-seat majority in the 62-seat chamber, regaining the majority they held for decades until two years ago.

While in power for their two short years, Democrats pushed bills to give tenants more rights, strengthen abortion rights and legalize same-sex marriage. But their tenure was short-lived and will end with a stain, as their overspending will force them to drastically slash their payroll by up to one-third, in order to close the deficit.

This will mean at least 200 Democrats will receive pink slips, in addition to the fewer number of Democratic electeds in office.

Records show at least 73 Democratic staffers earn more than $100,000 a year. And although it is not unusual to see major cuts take place following an administrative changeover, the predicted one-third of the Democratic payroll is more extensive than in past years.

Dean G. Skelos, a Long Island Republican, will reclaim the title of Senate majority leader. 

The Democrats will retain control of the State Assembly.

Repeated attempts to reach State Senator Velmanette Montgomery for a statement regarding cuts to her staff and legislative priorities in the new session were met with no response.