Statement on the 2008 State of the State Address

January 9, 2008

As New York State grapples with complicated issues like skyrocketing property taxes, access to affordable and quality health care, spiraling energy costs, improving education and an economic downturn, New Yorkers, especially residents of the Hudson Valley, are looking for leaders who will work together to tackle these problems head on. Today, by evoking our storied history of monumental accomplishments, Governor Spitzer acknowledged these great challenges, articulating a clear vision for facing them head on. I welcome his invitation to the Legislature to work together as we change New York for the better.

The Governor covered a wide range of topics, and showed a keen understanding of the issues families in our region care about. He demonstrated a clear commitment to thoroughly address the property tax crisis by forming a commission to examine the way we fund our schools and local government consolidation. When it came to education, even in the face of a budget deficit, the Governor illustrated that he remains committed to increasing state education aid and ensuring equity for all children.

Equally important was the Governor's recognition of the role higher education plays in economic development. SUNY New Paltz and Ulster County Community College have proven time and again that they can be the solid foundation of our local economy. His proposal for a university Innovation Fund is entirely consistent with the approach we have been working on with The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC). The Hudson Valley is poised to become a global hub for the advancement of solar power and this appropriation will allow us to harness New York's unrivaled network of public and private universities to unite our brightest minds behind a shared goal of restoring our great state to its rightful position as a global force in innovation, manufacturing, research and development.

The revitalization of Stewart Airport, also mentioned by the Governor, will provide our 21st century gateway to our economic resurgence. In that vein, the upcoming 2009 Hudson-Champlain Quadracentennial celebration presents an enormous opportunity to showcase the Hudson Valley around the world. That is why I have been working closely with organizations throughout the region to plan for this historic event. The Governor's acknowledgement of this and his endorsement of the commemorative Walkway Over The Hudson represents a welcomed partnership in this effort.

We have many challenges before us. The time is long past when we can afford to allow politics and rhetoric to impede progress. I will continue to work with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to fight for affordable and accessible health care coverage, equity in education, property tax relief, energy independence and real economic development; initiatives that will truly serve working families in the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions.

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