Cuomo: deadlines, distractions vie for legislative attention

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Sen. John Flanagan, R-Smithtown, right, talks with Sen. George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, in the Senate Chamber at the Capitol on Monday, May 4, 2015, in Albany, N.Y. Sen. Rich Funke, R-Fairport, is seated.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the federal charges facing Senate Leader Dean Skelos are threatening to distract lawmakers from important work in the legislative session’s final weeks.

Cuomo, a Democrat, says it’s up to senators to decide if Skelos stays leader. He told the Associated Press Thursday that lawmakers need to focus on looming deadlines for New York City’s rent regulations and mayoral control of schools.

Lawmakers must soon decide whether to modify or renew laws governing rent regulations, mayoral school control and a development tax break before they expire next month.

Skelos is accused of trading his influence for payments made to his son from a real estate firm and an environmental technology business. Skelos and his son Adam, who’s also charged in the case, deny the charges.