Governor Andrew M. Cuomo outlined his agenda for 2012 during his second State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 4, and vowed to continue building a “new New York” by growing the economy, reinventing the State Government, and advancing New York as a progressive leader.
“Our challenge for 2012 is this: How does government spur job creation in a down economy while limiting spending and maintaining fiscal discipline? The answer is forging public-private partnerships that leverage state resources to generate billions of dollars in economic growth and create thousands of jobs,” Cuomo said.
Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R,I-Willsboro) said following the speech that even though she had seen some progress made since the last legislative session, there were many issues, including mandate relief, lower tax spending, and job creation, that need to be addressed to assist the state in its recovery.
“We are pointed in the right direction, and I am committed to making sure that we continue to move forward for the future of New York,” Sayward said.
Assemblyman Marc Butler (R,C,I-Newport) said he was disappointed that the Governor did not speak more specifically about unfunded mandate relief, particularly Medicaid relief for our beleagured counties.
“This year, I will fight for unfunded mandate relief to reduce school and local government budgets and keep upstate an affordable place to live and work,” Butler said.
Butler added that he will also work to remove overregulation on small businesses, manufacturers and farmers—the job creators.
State Senator James L. Seward (R,C,I-Oneonta) responded favorably to Cuomo’s announcement that a second round of Regional Council competition funding would be launched for councils to compete for $200 million in State Funds.
“Expanding on the regional economic development concept to spotlight the best and brightest our state has to offer is also productive.
But we need real regulatory reform to assist businesses large and small. Let’s cut government red tape to help existing companies expand and make it easier for new ones to open,” Seward said.
Like Assemblyman Butler, Seward would have liked to have heard mention of mandate relief for local governments and schools.
“I was disappointed that he (Cuomo) didn’t mention Medicaid—the mother of all mandates. A state takeover of local Medicaid costs is needed to free up local resources,” Seward said.
Senator Betty Little (R,C,I Queensbury) responded favorably to the governor’s ideas to invest in road and bridge infrastructure as well as energy use and transmission.
She is also eager to learn more about increasing tourism promotion, which will benefit the North Country and all of New York. Little was also concerned about the issue of mandate relief.
“I expect to see a greater focus this year on mandate relief. There were a lot of ideas put on the table for discussion last session, but not much was acted upon. Behind every mandate is a special interest, and many of them are laudable. But some are not needed, or are unaffordable or simply not appropriate for all regions of the state,” she said.
