WHITE PLAINS - In response to growing citizen outrage to the continued deadlock within the New York State Senate, Westchester County Legislator and Board Vice Chairman Michael B. Kaplowitz (D-I, Somers) has launched an online effort to pressure the New York State Senate to reach a power-sharing agreement and get back to doing the people’s business.  The county legislator and immediate past chair of the budget and appropriations committee, has created an outlet from which Westchester County taxpayers can be vocal toward the dead-locked state senate.  Kaplowitz urges all residents of the county to voice their outrage and concern at www.westchesterlegislators.com, where they can sign a petition urging the State Senate to “quit their petty games and get back to work.”

“There is a power vacuum in Albany and we are paying for it” said Kaplowitz.  The State Senate, which has been in a stalemate for nearly three weeks, has postponed numerous pieces of legislation, potentially leading to a 55% property tax increase for all Westchester County residents.  Other pending bills are threatening thousands of local jobs.  “Passing these bills is serious business – the people’s business – and our state senators must stop this madness and get back to work,” said Kaplowitz.

Earlier this week, Kaplowitz released a “report card” on the performance of the State Senate, in which every grade received was that of an “F.”  According to Kaplowitz, it is appropriate that the NY State Senate receive a report card, similar to students, at the end of the year’s legislative session.