As Senate majority leader, I feel compelled to respond to Rep. Thomas Shields’ letter regarding the recent special session (Sept. 3)

Unfortunately, his comments reveal a lack of understanding of the accomplishments of the session, and the key role of Senate Democrats securing them.

Far from dragging out the session, the sustained advocacy of Senate Democrats for bonds funding education and the environment, and our role developing a compromise property tax relief measure, significantly improved the end result. Both measures finally passed the Senate with the unanimous support of Republicans and Democrats, reflecting a consensus well worth the extra effort and time.

Initially, Republican senators voted for a bond that eliminated all education and environmental projects. Thanks to the hard work of Senators Peggy Rotundo and Neria Douglass, and Rep. Richard Mailhot, the final education bond includes $2 million for L-A College.

The second issue addressed in the session was a competing measure to the MMA ballot initiative. Working closely with House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Senate Democrats crafted a compromise that increases state funding for K-12 education and provides immediate property tax relief, including restoration of the Homestead Exemption at Sen. Rotundo’s suggestion.

The extra day of negotiations was well worth it, producing unanimous Senate approval.

Rep. Shields would do well to worry less about the pace of legislative matters and focus more on the results. The Legislature successfully addressed the major issues before it, with an end result of which we can be proud.

Senate Majority Leader Sharon Anglin Treat, Farmingdale

Copy the Story Link