Senator Diaz Meets With Religious Leaders

New York, NY —

While New York State Senators were in Albany not holding a special session again today, Bronx Senator Ruben Diaz was meeting with new Archbishop Timothy Dolan and other religious leaders in Manhattan.

DIAZ: This is important. What's happening in Albany is a mockery, what's happening in Albany is a circus. That's not important over there - that's a waste of money.

REPORTER: Diaz says he saved taxpayers money by not collecting the $160 per diem lawmakers get in Albany.

Governor Paterson says he'll direct the state treasurer to withhold state senators' pay and per diems until they meet in a special session. He says he'll go to court tomorrow morning if lawmakers don't commit to showing up for the session.

Diaz says his meeting with religious leaders focused on their opposition to gay marriage and abortion and support for increasing resources for the city's poor.