State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins was recently reelected as State Senate Majority Leader, making her the first Democrat to serve two consecutive terms in that position. Stewart-Cousins appeared on “Inside City Hall” with Errol Louis to talk about priorities for state Democrats, who now have a so-called supermajority in the chamber. That means lawmakers can override a veto from Governor Cuomo.

As some lawmakers push for taxing the wealthy, Stewart-Cousins did not confirm whether she would call the legislature back into session before the New Year. As the state looks to close a massive budget gap, she said there is a long list of needs facing New Yorkers, from a growing hunger problem to a looming eviction crisis. And she placed much of the blame on the lack of aid coming from Washington and added that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to be “unfeeling and uncaring.”

“We have a failing federal government, and I cannot underscore how so distressful that is that even now,” she said. “They cannot even put together a package because apparently Mitch McConnell refuses to be helpful to the people in the nation who are suffering.”

Turning to the coronavirus pandemic, Stewart-Cousins said legislators have been involved every step of the way when it comes to vaccine distribution, emphasizing the need to get immunizations to the most vulnerable populations. She also said it’s important to make sure minority communities are not left behind, citing the disparities those communities have faced during the pandemic.

Stewart-Cousins said she would take the vaccine when it is offered to her, saying it’s important to model good behavior while continuing to wear masks and gather virtually in order to “crush” this pandemic.