New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins on Wednesday said she is not concerned about Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's romantic relationship with a woman who lobbies for building trades unions impacting ongoing budget negotiations — even as leaders prepare for a reprised showdown to reach a comprehensive housing deal.
Heastie, as first reported by N.Y. Focus, is dating lobbyist Rebecca Lamorte, who works as the legislative and communications director for the Greater New York Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust, or LECET – a labor management partnership.
"I don't see them affecting the negotiations," Stewart-Cousins told reporters Wednesday, adding she had little to say about Heastie's personal relationship.
As ongoing budget talks heat up, legislative leaders will start negotiating an affordable housing package in the coming days to be included in the spending plan that deadlines April 1. Tense discussions are expected as legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul stand at odds over the need for stronger tenant protections in the state.
But the Senate leader said Heastie's relationship does not make her concerned about potential conflicts of interest or impacts on budget discussions – even on housing.
"The speaker has addressed it and the speaker has said there's protocols in place and, you know, I trust the speaker at his word," Stewart-Cousins said.
In a letter, Heastie's counsel verified the speaker will not meet with LECET or related groups, according to the New York Focus report. Heastie became angry with reporters earlier this week when asked about the relationship and more details about his recusal protocols.
"I’m not talking about my personal life," Heastie said Monday. "I was very clear that protocols are in place and that’s all ya’ll need to be comfortable. My life will never be in conflict with my job. I am never again addressing my personal life."
Other legislative leaders have declined to discuss the romance and its potential impact on upcoming budget talks.
"I have no comment about the speaker's personal life," Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris said.