New York State Legislature, State legislature in Albany, United States.
The New York State Legislature functions as a two-chamber body within the Capitol building in Albany, where the Senate and Assembly convene to decide state matters. The Assembly holds 150 members while the Senate contains 63 seats, both working in separate chambers inside the historic structure.
The institution formed in 1777 shortly after independence and has shaped the development of New York through lawmaking ever since. Over the centuries, both chambers changed in composition and working methods several times while the core principle of a two-chamber structure remained.
The chambers typically hold their main sessions between January and June, when the capital comes alive with lawmakers arriving from across the state. Debates and committee work create a rhythm that shapes how Albany feels during these months compared to quieter periods.
Visitors can access public areas of the Capitol during session periods when the building is open to citizens. It helps to check ahead for when chambers are actually meeting, as activity outside the main session calendar tends to be quieter.
Members of both chambers receive salaries higher than any other state legislature in the country, making Albany home to some of the most compensated lawmakers at the state level. This pay structure regularly draws attention and discussion about the role of state legislatures across the nation.
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