Arrests, leadership changes, tough issues lead to hard session for New York lawmakers

New York lawmakers have largely stayed true to Albany's reputation for procrastination and back-room dealing despite corruption scandals that highlighted its insider culture.

The Legislature planned to adjourn last week but is still working out a deal on one of the year's biggest issues, the renewal of New York City's rent regulations. They briefly expired last week when lawmakers couldn't agree on an extension.

The six-month session was especially challenging to its new leaders, Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Leader John Flanagan. Both took over after the arrests of their predecessors threw the Legislature into turmoil.

Despite the turmoil, Albany's way of doing business remains intact. Lawmakers largely ignored calls to overhaul campaign finance and ethics rules, while negotiations on the year's biggest issues are still held behind closed doors.