But it is not in effect in New York, because over the summer, the Republican-controlled State Senate did not take up the bill for a vote.

The Republican-controlled State Senate held up the nominations until two were changed.

But first the bill must clear the Republican-controlled State Senate, where the gun lobby often prevails over common sense.

Mr. Marsh's nomination is not expected to encounter opposition in the Republican-controlled State Senate, which approves all commissioners.

That bill passed the Republican-controlled State Senate tonight in a 36-to-18 vote, but it appears to be dead in the State Assembly.

Unchanged Since 1972 The gas tax has long been anathema in the Republican-controlled State Senate, which relies heavily on support from rural and suburban areas.

Still, these matters have gone unresolved for years, largely because of the Republican-controlled State Senate.

The Republican-controlled State Legislature and political leaders in the boroughs other than Manhattan were among those in favor of decentralization.

Mr. Silver is also fresh from budget talks with Governor Pataki and the Republican-controlled State Senate, where he was widely seen as a winner.