Just more than two weeks ago, the overwhelming majority of both the state Senate and Assembly passed an ethics reform bill. Governor David Paterson called it weak then and, on Tuesday, made good on his promise to veto the plan.

“I think we can do better. I think the people of the State of New York have made it clear that they expect more of us,” Paterson said.

Democratic senators, who hold a slim majority, say they will try to override Paterson’s veto.

“We believe that we have what we need to override it. Now that we finally have something, it’s not perfect, it obviously it could have more teeth to it, I’m quite sure we’ll do more, right now we want to get something done,” said Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm Smith.

The governor’s not alone though. Both houses need a two-thirds majority vote to override the veto — something senate Republicans say they will have no part in.

“As of right now I don’t think it’s something that should be overridden. There are many more discussions that could be held to improve the bill, to make it a non political bill,” said Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos.

After the last few scandal-riddled years, proponents of the bill say the veto is a mistake. The bill would force lawmakers to disclose more of their outside income and business dealings and would also require increased disclosure from lobbyists.

“If the veto stands, New Yorkers will be left with a dysfunctional ethics system and it’ll be the governor’s fault,” said NYPIRG Legislative Director Blair Horner.

If the senate doesn’t have the votes to override the veto, it’s likely the bill will die unless the governor pushes the legislature to vote on a tougher bill.

“They all voted for the bill, I’m not sure the rationale for them turning around and saying that they’re not going to vote for it when it comes up for override, but we’ll see,” said State Senator Eric Schniederman.

Meanwhile, Democrats in the state Assembly — who do have enough votes to override the veto — have yet to discuss what they will do.

“We’ll sit down with him, and see if there’s any compromise that can be reached. Maybe override the veto, we’ll see,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Governor Paterson says he has been in talks with the legislature to improve the bill, including strengthening public disclosure rules.

Source: NY1