Breaking news late Tuesday afternoon, as WKBW is reporting that the New York State Legislature has reached a deal to officially repeal the emergency powers that were given to Governor Andrew Cuomo at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legislature will allow current directives related to helping preserve public health to continue, via WKBW.

Governor Cuomo's emergency powers were set to expire at the end of April, so this will be earlier than expected.

Get our free mobile app

Here's a statement on the decision from Senate Majority Leader, Andrew Steward-Cousins.

"We certainly see the need for a quick response but also want to move toward a system of increased oversight, and review. The public deserves to have checks and balances. Our proposal would create a system with increased input while at the same time ensuring New Yorkers continue to be protected,” Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins said.

The feeling from the legislature is that the emergency powers have served their purpose and now is the time to take them away, according to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“A year into the pandemic, and as New Yorkers receive the vaccine, the temporary emergency powers have served their purpose – it is time for them to be repealed,” Speaker Heastie said.

This news comes roughly one year to the day of New York City's first recorded case of COVID-19.

Read the full story at WKBW.

KEEP READING: 50 community resources supporting Americans financially impacted by COVID-19

More From The New 96.1 WTSS