Sources: New York State Senate could move to expel Monserrate this week

A state Senate committee’s decision to expel embattled state Sen. Hiram Monserrate [D-Jackson Heights] could come this week, a number of sources have said.

The Daily News reported late last month the committee would likely recommend Monserrate’s expulsion. A judge convicted in October the former New York City Councilmember and police officer of misdemeanor assault against girlfriend Karla Giraldo.

Democrats—U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and others—around the state continue to urge Monserrate to step down. The Queens Democratic establishment has lined up behind Assemblymember José Peralta [D-Jackson Heights] ahead of a possible special election next month. And Monserrate continues to face growing calls to step down from advocates of domestic violence victims, LGBT activists upset with his vote last month against marriage for same-sex couples and others.

Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson [D-Brooklyn] created the special committee after Monserrate’s conviction. State Sen. Eric Schneiderman [D-Manhattan] chairs the committee, and state Sens. Diane Savino [D-Staten Island] and Ruth Hassell-Thompson [D-Mount Vernon] are among its members.

Lawmakers remain tight lipped about Monserrate’s future, but it remains clear legislators will move quickly.

"They don't want Monserrate hanging around for the budget so he can screw around again," one source said.