Malcolm Smith back to work following bribery arrest

State Senator Malcolm Smith is back to work following his arrest earlier this month on corruption charges.

“We’re serving the people just as we usually do,” said a Smith spokesperson. “We’ve been helping them as we always have.”

On Tuesday, April 2, Smith was arrested along with Councilmember Dan Halloran for allegedly trying to rig the upcoming mayoral election. Despite the charges, Smith arrived in Albany two weeks later to continue his legislation.

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In Albany, the embattled senator met with members of the New York State Nurses Association to discuss two bills affecting healthcare: the Safe Patient Handling Act, which would establish safe patient handling policies; and the Safe Staffing for Quality Care, which would set minimum staffing requirements for care facilities.

“These two pieces of legislation will not only makes nurses’ jobs a little easier, but will improve the quality of care for patients,” Smith said.

Back in Senatorial District 14, the spokesperson said that Smith’s staff remains intact and the community feedback has been positive following the scandal.

“They know the senator’s reputation for serving the community and helping people, so they have been very supportive,” said the rep.

As for the future, Smith will be making minimal public appearances, and the staff is “playing it by ear,” according to the spokesperson.

Smith also made a return to Twitter, tweeting that this week’s theme is “God Knows the Heart.”